OLMAOEM. 



159 



inflorescence has the form of a reversed pyramid, growing from a 

 long central cavity in the form of a deep pit. The ovary, imbedded 

 in it, is otherwise organized like that of Olmedta, and the two long 

 branches of the style which 



surmounts it emerge from Lmessania turiin.ta. 



the opening corresponding to 

 the centre of the base of the 

 pyramid. The entire sur- 

 face of this base bears glo- 

 merules of male flowers, 

 formed of a gamosepalous 

 calyx and two or three 

 stamens. Around the male 

 flowers is found a crown of 

 small bracts forming an in- 

 volucre ; they are inserted on 

 the circumference of the py- 

 ramidal base. Others are 

 scattered in small number 

 over its convex surface ; 

 others again are collected in 

 a second involucre towards 

 the summit of the pyramid — 

 that is, above the axillary 

 peduncle which supports it. 

 In Scypkosyce, a shrub of 

 western tropical Africa, the 

 relative disposition of the 

 various elements of the an- 

 drogynous inflorescence is fundamentally the same, but the form of 

 the parts is very different. The common reeeptacular cup is wider 

 and less deep. The central female flower is consequently free, 

 removed from the coats of the receptacle. Near the margin of the 

 latter are also inserted perigynously the male flowers, furnished 

 equally with a gamosepalous calyx. They have only one stamen, 

 and the bracts of the involucre which are outside of them are 

 highly developed and completely cover them by imbrication in the 

 bud. The female flower is also surrounded by its own calyx. 



Fig. 123. Long. sect, of inflorescence (J). 



