APPENDAGES TO THE STAMEN-COLUMN 



69 



Dorsal Appendages. — Instead of the base, the back of the connective 

 may be appendaged. It may become expanded into a disk-like form 

 over the backs of the thecae, as in Gratiola (Fig. 167). The backs of 

 the anthers may be excavated to receive it, as in Aloe (Fig. 168), or it 

 may be appendaged in any other direction. 



Apical Appendages. — Appendages of any form may develop at its 

 apex. In the Compositae these are frequently triangular, as in Eupa- 

 torium (Fig. 169, a), or lance-shaped. In the Asarum (Fig. 170) it is 

 an awn, while in the Violet (Fig. 171) it is sail-shaped. Sometimes 

 it is formed like a feather (Plumose). 



Fig. 165. Forked connective, one of the thecae aborted, 166. The same as in Audihertia, with one 

 of the branches aborted, 167. Anther of Gratiola, the connective expanded into a saucer-shaped disk, 

 168, Anther of Aloe, the connective hollowed to receive the filament. 169. Anther of Eupatorium, 

 the connective bearing a terminal appendage. 170. The same, as in Asarum. 171. The same, as in 

 Viola. 172. Anther of Vaccinium, the thecae extended into awns and bearing also dorsal awns. 173. 

 Monadelphous filaments of Alfernanthera bearing fimbriate appendages in the sinuses. 



Appendages to the Thecae. — It remains to be pointed out that the 

 thecae themselves may be similarly appendaged at any part. Fig. 133 

 displays caudae, or tails, which are found in a great variety of forms. 

 In Fig. 154, a, Alae, or wings, are illustrated. Dorsal spurs or claws 

 (Calcaria) frequently occur and are also often borne at the top. Apical 

 awns to the thecae, forked and pore-bearing at the summit, as well as 

 dorsal awns, are also shown in Fig. 172. 



Appendages to the Stamen-column. — The stamen-column itself is 

 subject to remarkable and characteristic appendaging, with or without 

 connection with an adnate disk. Ordinarily, the summit of the stamen- 

 tube terminates at the beginning of the distinct portion of the stamens, 

 but sometimes, as very generally in the Avmranthaceae (Fig. 173), it 

 is continued upward in the sinuses of the anthers, and this portion may 

 be lobed and appendaged in the most beautiful manner. 



Stamens which extend beyond the margin of the corolla are called 

 Exserted or Exsert. This term is also applicable to any organ which 

 projects beyond the perigone. 



