CALYX. 



Fisr. G8. 



presentation (Fig. 67) of the Spatha of the Arum (b,) and of the 

 Narcissus, (c.) In the Egyptian Lily, the spatha is white and per- 

 manent, and the stamens and pistils ^row upon different parts of 

 the spadix. Palms have a spadix wnich is branched, and often 

 bears a great quantity of fruit. 



Glume, is from the Latin word gluma, a husk. This is the calyx 

 of the grasses, and grass-like plants. In the oat and wheat it forms 



the chqf, a 

 part which is 

 thrown away 

 as worthless. 

 In the oat, 

 (Fig. 6S,) the 

 glume calyx 

 IS composed 

 of two pieces 

 called valves ; 

 in some kinds 

 of grain of but 

 one, in others 



of more than two valves. To the glume belongs the awn or beard. 

 The corolla of grasses is husky, like the calyx, and is sometimes 

 considered as a part of it. Some botanists consider that there is in 

 the grasses, neither calyx nor corolla, and that these scales are only 

 membranous bracts. 



Calyptra. This term is derived from the Greek, and signifies a 

 veil. It is the cap, or hood, of pistillate mosses, resembling in form 

 and position, the extinguisher of a candle.* 



To/ra, the ring, or wrapper of the fungus plants. It first encloses 

 the head of the Fungus, afterward bursts and contracts, remaining 

 on the stems, or at the root.f 



We have now considered the different kinds of calyx. We find 

 that this organ is not essential, since it is w^anting in some plants, 

 but its presence adds to the completeness of the'flower ; in some 

 cases it is the most showy part; as in the Lady's-ear-drop, where 

 it is of a bright scarlet-colour, and in the Egyptian Lily, where it is 

 pure white. 



The calyx is of use in protecting the other parts of the flower be- 

 fore they expand, and afterward supporting them in their proper 

 position. Pinks, having petals with long and slender claws, which 

 would droop or break without support, have a calyx. Tulips 

 having firm petals, and each one resting upon a broad strong basis, 

 are able to support themselves, and they have no calyx. In some 

 plants, the calyx serves as a seed-vessel ; as in the order Gymnos- 

 permia, of the class Didynamia, where there are four seeds lying in 

 the bottom of the calyx. 



See Pig. 153, e. 



t See Fig. 157, d. 



Glume— Calyptra— Uses of the calyx. 



