72 INFLORESCENCE. 



Deciduous, falling- off at the approach of winter, 

 as in most European trees and shrubs. 



The Inflorescence, or mode of flowering, 

 aifords another important character in defining the 

 Species of plants. 



The diiferent modes of flowering are distin- 

 guished thus : 



1. A Whorl ; flowers disposed in a circle round 



the stem, as in Common Water Violet, 

 (Hottonia palustris) fig. 1, pi. 33. Dead- 

 nettle, and Ground Ivy. 



2. A Cluster, or Raceme, consists of numerous 



rather distant flowers, arranged along a 

 common stalk, each on its own proper 

 peduncle, as in the Currant and Barberry 

 trees, fig. 2, Scorpion-grass and Enchanter's 

 nightshade. 



3. A Spike bears numerous flowers, ranged alter- 



nately on a common stalk, most commonly 

 without a peduncle, as Veronica spicata, 

 Plaintain, and some of the grasses, figs. 3, 

 4, 5. When the flowers are in separate 

 groups, the spike is termed interrupted, as 

 in some species of Mint. 



