n CONIFERS — TYPHACE^ 389 



J. chinensis, for instance, the two tendencies are so 

 nearly balanced, that while the general form is broad 

 and appressed, some branches or twigs, generally in the 

 lower and shaded parts of the tree, bear narrow spread- 

 ing leaves. 



The tube of the pollen grain branches, and fertilises 

 several egg cells. This is very unusual. 



Botanists variously estimate from twenty -five to 

 fifty species, mainly in the Mediterranean region and 

 the North Atlantic Islands. 



Taxus (Yew) 



There are six to eight species, all in the north 

 temperate zone. The name is said to be derived from 

 a Celtic word Jw = green. 



T. baccata. — When the anthers open the pollen falls 

 into a sort of pocket, where it lies quietly till there is 

 some wind, when it is thrown out. Generally it is 

 dioecious, but occasionally male and female flowers occur 

 on the same tree, and even on the same branch.^ 



MONOCOTYLEDONS 



TYPHACE^ 



Typha (Bulrush) 



Monoecious wind flowers. We have two species. In 

 one, T. latifolia (Reed-mace), often called Bulrush, 

 the flowers are in an almost continuous spike ; in 

 the smaller species, T. angustifolia, there is a distinct 

 interval between the upper (male) and lower (female) 

 flowers. The minute one-seeded fruits are raised on a 

 long thread-like stalk which bears long silky hairs, 

 ensuring the ready dispersal of the fruit by the wind. 



The " Bulrushes " in which Moses was concealed 



^ Lowe, The Yew Trees of Great Britain. 



