FORMS OF THE DISK 



83 



expanded until it is merely convex or even plane. To all such modi- 

 fications the term Gynobase is applied. In this condition it may 

 become hollowed out at the insertion of the carpels, as in borage (Fig. 

 250). In all forms of the gynobase it is important to note the point 

 of attachment of the divisions of the ovary and the scars which the 

 latter leave upon removal. 



Fig. 245. Pistils of Erodium springing away from the carpophore (a). 246. Flower of Lychnis, 

 showing anthophore at a. 247. Carpels of parsnip attached at summit of carpophore. 248. Flower of 

 Viscaria with obscure anthophore. 249. Flower of Maerna, a gonophore at a, -<x gynophore at h. 

 250. Gynobase of Borago. 251. Numerous pistils of Magnolia, imbricated upon a carpophore. 252. 

 Greatly enlarged gynophore of Nelumbium. 253. Ring-shaped disk (a) of Salpichroa adnate to calyx. 

 254. Epigynous disk (a) of Coussarea. 



Abbreviation of the Intemodes. — The above considerations refer to 

 elongations of internodes of the torus. The condition of adnation of 

 floral parts may, upon the other hand, be usually looked upon as one 

 in which the normally very short internodes of the torus are still further 

 shortened, so as to bring the parts into most intimate connection. 



Lateral Expansion of the Internodes. — Instead of undergoing a mere 

 elongation of its internodes, the torus may be laterally expanded at any 

 or all points, with or without elongation, and in innumerable forms. 



The Disk. — An expansion or appendage of this kind, although the 

 term may be properly regarded as including all forms of enlargement 

 or extension of the torus, is called a Disk. 



Forms of the Disk. — The simplest form is, perhaps, that seen in the 

 blackberry, a hemisphere, with the pistils arranged upon its surface 



