1 1 8 FLO WEK-LAND. 



of two or more carpels which is either (2) apocarpous 

 or (3) syncarpous* 



We must pass on to notice the position of the 

 pistil and its ovary (or ovaries) with regard to 

 the other parts of the flower. Sometimes it is at the 

 highest part of the flower stalk, so that the calyx, 

 corolla, and stamens are inserted upon the receptacle 

 (p. 107) below the ovary. Then 

 the ovary is said to be superior^ 

 Once more we will pick a 

 buttercup, and notice the position 

 of the floral parts upon the 

 peduncle. As you pull off calyx, 

 corolla, and stamens you see very 



plainly that the ovaries are quite 

 Fig. 101. Flower of ., 



Branca (corolla re- above them : they are "superior' 



3, P- *7, 



;/, stigma. But sometimes the ovary is 



below them, when it is said to be inferior. ,f The 

 tube of the calyx is often round the ovary in varying 

 degrees ; but you will learn more about the relative 

 positions of the floral parts or whorls J in one of the 

 chapters on classification. It is sufficient at present 

 for you to understand such plainly inferior ovaries as 

 those of the willow herb, cow-parsnip, cucumber, or 

 gooseberry, in contrast with the superior ovaries of 

 the buttercup, brassica, wallflower, primrose, or tulip. 



* rf. Monomerous in the Appendix. 



From the Latin ' ' superior, " higher ; " inferior" lower. 

 The floral parts bting modified leaves, ff. p. in. 



