LEGUMINOS^ 463 



Stamens; the four superior lobes of the calyx are united, 

 while the inferior one is free. The standard is suborbicular, 

 the wings oblong and free, and the keel incurved. The 

 ovary, at the base of the long, narrow calyx tube, has one to 

 several ovules, and bears a long thread-like style, terminated 

 by a very small stigma. 



Fig. 196. — Peanut_(Arachis hypogEca). (After Jones.) 



Development of Fruit (Fig. 196). — After the ovules are fer- 

 tilized, the stamens and corolla fall off; then the flower stalk 

 elongates, bends downward, and carries the developing 

 ovary several inches into the ground. Once buried, the 

 ovary ripens. If the ovary is not brought underground, it 

 withers, and fails to mature. 



Fruit. — The fruit is a large, oblong, reticulated, indehiscent 

 legume, with one to several ovoid seeds. The "shell" of 

 the "peanut" is the pericarp; the thin skin that surrounds 

 each seed or pea ("nut") is the testa. The cotyledons are 

 large, and rich in stored food. 



