CHAPTER VI. 
THE FLOWER AND INFLORESCENCE. 
46. Definition.—A flower is a leafy shoot specially 
modified for the purposes of reproduction. It is to be 
especially borne in mind that all the parts of the flower 
are morphologically of the rank of leaves. The facts 
that the floral members are arranged in spirals or whorls, 
that the flowers are often borne ona branch arising from 
the axil of a leaf or bract, that stamens may be trans- 
formed into petals all substantiate this view. 
The diverse and beautiful forms found among Angio- 
sperms have been developed chiefly owing to the part 
that insects play in affecting cross-pollination. 
47. Parts of a Flower.—A typical flower, e.g. Wild 
Rose, consists of four rings or whorls of organs borne 
upon the flattened head of the flower stalk or PEDICEL 
called the RECEPTACLE (also called the THAanAmus). The 
outside whorl is composed of Szpaus and is called the 
Catyx (from Greek—kalyptein, to cover). The next 
whorl! is made up of PeTats, and is called the CornoLLA 
(from Lat.—corona,a crown). The third whorlis made 
up of Stamens and is called the ANDROECIUM (Greek— 
andretos, male; oikes, a house). The innermost whorl 
is made up of CaRPELs and is called the GyNOECIUM (or 
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