POLYGONACEjE 



291 



Inflorescence. — The inflorescence is a raceme which may 

 be either paniculate or corymbose (a corymb is a flat-topped 

 raceme type of inflorescence); it is terminal and axillary, 

 many-flowered, and erect or slightly drooping. 



-nectar ^land 

 receptacle 



Fig. 115. — Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum vulgare). A, achene; B, 

 floral diagram ; C, cross-section of fruit ; D, flower. {B after Wossidlo; C after 

 Stevens.) 



Flowers.— The flowers (Fig. 115, D) are white, tinged with 

 pink. There are no petals (hence is apetalous), but there is 

 a five-parted corolla-like calyx which remains attached to the 



