82 INFLORESCENCE. 



their number is then usually double the number of petals ; as in the 

 pink, which has ten stamens and five petals. When inserted beneath 

 the germ or base of the pistil, the corolla is said to be hypo-gynous, 

 (underneath the style, or inferior ;) as in the stramonium. When it 

 is inserted into the calyx and surrounds the germ, as in the currant, 

 it is said to be peri-gynous, (around the style, or enveloping it.) 

 When the corolla is inserted ?/.po?i the germ, as in the trumpet-honey- 

 suckle, it is said to be epi-gynous, (upon the germ, or superior.) 



2d. The corolla ivith respect to the branches which support it. 



The disposition of flowers upon their branches is analogous to 

 that of leaves ; thus, flowers are either radical, coming from the root, 

 or caidine, coming from the stem ; they are peduncle or sessile, soli- 

 tary, scattered, or opposite, alternate or axillary. Sometimes they 

 are unilateral, growing on one side of the branch ; and sometimes 

 fixed equally upon all parts of the peduncle, and pointing in different 

 directions. 



3d. The corolla with respect to the flowers which surround it, or 

 which grow on the same peduncle. 



The different modes of division of the common peduncle, into 

 lesser peduncles or supports, cause a great difference in the appear- 

 ance and situation of flowers, and exhibit a variety of forms of in- 

 florescence. The green part which comes from the stem and sup- 

 ports the flower, is called the -peduncle ; sometimes it is called the 

 foot-stalk of the flower or fruit. The divisions of the peduncle are 

 called pedicels. 



When the plant is one-flowered, the flower is usually inserted at 

 the end of the stem; the peduncle in that case is scarcely distinct 

 from the stem. 



The most common kinds of inflorescence are as follows: 



Fig. 87. 



1st. Whorl, (Fig. 87,) an assemblage of 

 flowers surrounding the stem, or its branch- 

 es, constitutes a whorl, or ring ; this is seen 

 in mint and many of the labiate plants. 

 Flowers which grow in this manner, are 

 said to be verticillate, from the Latin verto, 

 to turn. Leaves surrounding the stem in 

 a similar manner, are said to be stellate., oi 

 star-like. 



What is said of the corolla with respect to the branches which support it 7— With 

 respect to the flowers which surround it?— Whorl. 



