10 



FLOWERS 



while those of Carnations and Roses are conspicuous when single. 

 In Chrysanthemums, Daisies, and Sunflowers the individual 

 flowers, although small, form a cluster so compact that it is often 

 erroneously considered a single flower. 



As to color, which is the character most closely related to 

 securing polhnation by insects, flowers are exceedingly various. 

 Some, especially those that depend upon the wind for pollination, 

 are green like leaves. Some are white, while among others nearly 

 every color imaginable can be found. It is claimed that by means 

 of colors flowers solicit the visitation of insects, which are im- 

 portant agents in pollination. 



The odors of flowers, usually pleasant, but sometimes repul- 

 sive to us, as in case of the 

 Carrion-flower and Skunk 

 Cabbage, probably serve in 

 attracting insects. Further- 

 more, pleasant odors add 

 to the value of plants for 

 ornamental purposes. 



Flowers present various 



forms. When well open, 



some are wheel-shaped, 



some 



FiQ. 2. — Basswood flower with portions 

 removed from one side so that the interior some funnel-shaped 



of the flower may be seen, a, calyx com- 

 posed of leaf -like portions or sepals; o, 

 corolla composed of leaf-like portions called 

 petals; s, stamens; p, pistil; r, receptacle. 

 Much enlarged. 



tubular, while others de- 

 part from these forms with 

 various irregularities, as in 

 the Sweet Pea, where the 

 flower resembles a butter- 

 fly in shape, or in the Orchids where parts of the flower may be 

 so shaped as to resemble a slipper, as the Orchid known as the 

 Lady's-slipper illustrates. The shape of the flower in many cases 

 favors the visitation of only special insects, and, therefore, is 

 closely related to the problem of pollination. 



To discover the essential features of a flower, it becomes 

 necessary to determine the function of the flower, and become 

 acquainted with its parts and the use of each part in relation to 

 the work of the flower. 



Function of the Flower.— A flower is a plant structure 

 organized for reproduction, being devoted to the production of 

 seeds which are the plant's chief means of producing offspring. 



