SECTION 8.J MODIFICATIONS OF THE TYPE. 



93 



366. There are all gradations between labiate and regular corollas. In 

 those of Grerardia, of some species of Pentstemon, and of Catalpa (Fig. 

 263-265), the labiate character is slight, but is manifest on close inspection. 

 In almost all such flowers the plan of five, which is obvious or ascertain- 

 able in the calyx and corolla, is obscured ia the stamens by the abortion or 

 suppression of one or three of their number. 



267. Ligulate Corolla. The ligulate or Stra/p-sha/ped corolla mainly 

 belongs to the family of Compositse, iu wliioh numerous small flowers are 



gathered into a head, within an involucre that imitates a calyx. It is best 

 exemplilied in the Dandelion and in Chiccory (Pig. 266). Each one of 

 these straps or Idgules, looking like so many petals, is the corolla of a dis- 



tinct flower : the baae is a short tube, which opens out int6 the ligule : the 

 five minute teeth at the end indicate the number of constituent petals. So 

 this is a kind of gamopetalous corolla, which is open along one side nearly 



PiO. 266. Two flower-heads of Chiccory. 



Pio. 267. One of them half cut away, better showing some of the flowers. 



