FLOWERS 



113 



other ovule-bearing portion of the ovary is called a placenta. 

 Some common types are shown in Fig. 102. 



104. Superior, half-inferior, and inferior ovaries. The posi- 

 tion of the ovary with reference to the other whorls of the 

 flower is a matter of great importance 

 in the classification of plants and is 

 described by the use of appropriate 

 names. When the pistil is borne nearer 



Fig. 103. Part of a flower cluster of evening primrose 



br, bracts; ca, calyx; co, corolla; ov, ovary; p, pod; t, tube of perianth, 

 appearing as if it sprung from the tip of the ovary. Slightly reduced 



the extremity of the receptacle than any of the other whorls 

 the ovary is said to be superior (Fig. 93). When, however, the 

 end of the floral axis is expanded in a more or less cup- 

 shaped manner, so that the stamens (and the divisions of the 

 perianth) seem to spring from around the ovary, the latter 

 is said to be half -inferior. When the concave floral axis. 



