66 THE BLOODROOT. 



sets here and there, a bud issues and sends up a leaf and a 

 flower the whole visible plant. The term acaulescent is 

 applicable to the Bloodroot as well as to Hepatica, it being 

 apparently stemless. 



The eaf comes up from the ground tenderly embracing 

 the flower-bud like a cloak. In the bud both together were 

 enveloped in the membranous scales (sc) which now surround 

 the base of the stalks. The rounded blade is conspicuously 

 palmi -veined and netted, its margin lobed, with rounded 

 sinuses between the lobes, and its base cordate (heart-shaped) 

 with a deep recess. 



The flower loses its two green caducous sepals as soon 

 as it opens. The pure-white petals, open only in the sun- 

 shine, are soon deciduous. The 4 interior are shorter than 

 the 4 exterior, giving the expanded corolla the form of a 

 square. The stamens, about 24 in number, are hypogynous. 



The Fruit* A pistil evidently composed of 2 united 

 carpels, having a double, sessile stigma (3, 4) occupies the 

 center of the flower. It becomes in fruit an oblong capsule 

 with a single cell. Two lines run lengthwise on opposite 

 sides of the ovary or pod (3) marking the conjoined edges of 

 the carpels. We will call these the sutures (sutura, a seam). 

 Within the cell are two corresponding lines or ridges to which 

 the seeds are attached ; term these the placentce ; and being 

 located on the wall (paries) of the cell, parietal placenta.* 

 It contains many seeds, and finally opens by 2 equal valves 

 which break away from the placentae and leave them still in 

 place (6). See how the ovule (5) is bent over and adhering 

 to its stalk (andtropous). Notice in the seed (7) its promi- 

 nent and singular crest (c) and the 2-lobed (dicotyledonous) 

 embryo (8, 9) in the end of the large albumen. 



* Observe that in Erythronium the placentae arc central. 



