78 REPRESENTATIVE PLANTS 



24. The Composite Family (Chicory Tribe) — The 

 Dandeliox. Flowers all Flat or Strap Form 



Statement. The dandelion, owing to its size and extreme 

 abundance, is a flower much more satisfactory to study than 

 the fleabane or ragwort, but, as it shows a different type of 

 head, does, not give, alone, a complete idea of the composite 

 types. The dandelion as it grows ought to receive attention. 

 The soil in which it flourishes, its love of sunlight, and its 

 season of bloom are also to be considered. Their great 

 numbers ought to be carefully explained, if you can discover 

 any good reasons. 



The head. Examine the compound Jloiver and observe 

 the size, color, and appearance, and the arrangement of the 

 involucral bracts. How does the latter feature vary in bud, 

 full bloom, and fruit ? Compare the height above the 

 ground of the flower, and the downy head of fruit, succeed- 

 ing, and explain. 



The flower. Study a single flower and observe the 

 inferior, single-seeded ovary, bearing at its summit the hair- 

 like calyx and the flattened corolla. Look at the hairs 

 {pappus) (m), and observe length and general appearance. 

 Examine the corolla. What are the features of the tube and 

 the limb ? How many petals are united to form the corolla ? 

 Look at the projecting tube of anthers inclosing the top of 

 the pistil. How many stamens are there and upon what are 

 they borne ? Examine the pollen {m) for quantity and for 

 form (Jip). Dissect out the pistil and find all its parts. 



Drawings. Make a drawing of the side view of the com- 

 pound flower, of a single flower, a complete pistil, and some 

 pollen grains. 



Problems. What method of pollination has the dandelion ? 

 What method of seed distribution ? Where are dandelions 

 found ? Explain their wide distribution. 



Table. Make a table of plants belonging to this tribe, 

 using the following form : — 



