THE FLOWEB. 



39 



45- The Flower.— If a leafy shoot be reduced in 

 length, the leaves will be brought close together; if the 

 internodes (portions 

 of the stem between 

 the joints) are •want- 

 ing entirely, the 

 leaves will be in 

 whorls, or form a ro- 

 sette. If now these 

 leaves undergo cer- ' 84 



tain changes in form and function, a Flower will be 

 formed. This change or modification of one part or organ 

 into another, is called metamorphosis (Gr. meta, beyond ; 

 morpha, form) ; the flower is a metamorphosed branch, and' 

 the different organs are modified leaves (Fig. 84). Proofs 

 of this are found in the partial or complete reversion of 

 floral organs back into ordinary leaves ; indeed, numerous 

 intermediate forms may readily be found which form a 

 gradual transition from a foliage leaf to the most highly 

 differentiated organ of the flower. 



46. The axis and leaves, belonging to or near the flower- 

 cluster, undergo modifications to form 

 peduncles and pedicels, and bracts 

 and bractlets. Thestem, or stalk, which 

 supports a flower-cluster, or a single 

 flower, is called the peduncle (Fig. 85, 

 jpda). If the peduiiele is wanting, that 

 is, if the flower is inserted directly on 

 the stem, it .(t^^ flower) is said to be sessile. When 

 the peduncle arises from the ground, it is called a scape. 



Fig. 84. Transformation of petals into stamens. Fig. 85. Flowers supported by 

 pedicels (^ed), which are branches of the peduncle {fdn)i br, bracts; brt, 

 bractletG. 



