LEG UMIN0S2E-MIM0SE. E. 



31 



variations in the structure of the flowers. Let us, for instance, first 

 analyze those of the Sensitive plant {Mimosa pudica-, 1 Fr., Sensitive). 

 We find that the receptacle forms a tiny inverted cone, round whose 

 base are inserted the tetramerous calyx, corolla, and androceum, and 

 a unicarpellary gynseceum. The calyx is very short, gamosepalous, 

 and membranous, with four valvate teeth, two anterior and two 



Mimosa pudica {Sensitive Plan/). 



Fig- 22. Fig. 23. 



Branch. Diagram. 



posterior. The corolla is much longer and tubular, with four valvate 

 leaves, alternating with the calyx-lobes and united by their edges 

 for a variable distance. The stamens are alternipetalous, inserted 

 below the foot of the ovary, with free filaments doubled up in the 

 bud, but much exserted in anthesis and bearing introrse two-celled 

 anthers, 2 dehiscing longitudinally. The stipitate one-celled ovary, 

 ending in a long style undilated at its stigmatiferous apex, contains 

 four ovules inserted in pairs on a posterior oppositipetalous parietal 

 placenta (fig. 25). These ovules are anatropous and descending, with 

 the micropyle upwards and outwards. The fruit is a pod, whose 

 pericarp is edged by a continuous string covered with soft prickles. 

 From the whole length of this the two glabrous valves separate at 

 maturity, dividing into as many joints as there are seeds. These 

 contain a fleshy embryo surrounded by pretty copious albumen. 



All the Mimosa* which approach this species and possess isoste- 

 monous flowers belong to the section of the genus named Eumimosa. 3 



1 L„ Spec, 1501.— II. B. K., op. cit., vi. suspended on top of the filament. The | 

 252. — DC, Prodr., ii. 426, n. 12. is in numerous grains as 



- The cells are nearly lateral, and as it were ;i DC, M4m. LSgum., 12 j Prodr., seel 1 



