BRACTS 



55 



(i) Several - branched. The main inflorescence-axis has 

 more than two branches (figs. 76, 79). 

 Example — Some Spurges. 



(2) Two-branched. The main inflorescence-axis has only 



two branches (figs. 77, 43), and is termed a forked- 

 cyme = Dicliasiuin. 

 Example — Many members of the Pink-family. 



(3) One-branched. The main inflorescence-axis has only 



one branch (figs. 78, 80, 81) = Monochasium. 



Example — Some Geraniums. 



The so-called scorpioid cyme of the Borage- 

 family is most properly regarded as a mono- 

 chasium : its axis is a sympodium (compare 

 figs. 80 and 81).* 



In cymose inflorescences often the main (primary) inflor- 

 escence and lateral (secondary, etc.) inflorescences are of 

 different types. The main inflorescence, for example, may be 

 a several-branched cyme, and its branches may be dichasia, 

 and their branches ultimately bear monochasia (as in the Petty 

 Spurge). Frequently the main inflorescence is a dichasium 

 and the lateral inflorescences are monochasia (as often in the 

 Dead Nettle family). 



BRACTS. 



These are usually small and simple (see page 21). Jn the 

 Wallflower-family the inflorescence is frequently devoid of 

 bracts. In capitula the individual flowers may be without sub- 

 tending bracts, as in the Dandelion. The opposite extreme is 

 reached in the Arum, where a large bract — the spathe — encloses 

 the inflorescence. Capitula and umbels usually have closely- 

 set collections of bracts, termed involucres ; even single flowers 

 may have similar involucres beneath them, as in the Mallow. 



Prophylls. — On page 2 1 it has already been mentioned that 

 the first leaf of a branch in Monocotyledons, and the first two 

 leaves in Dicotyledons, are often small and simple, and occupy 

 definite positions with reference to the main axis. These 



* Some modern botanists, laying undue stress on the development of this 

 inflorescence, conclude that it is racemose in type, and that the axis is a 

 true axis. This view is undoubtedly incorrect. 



