64 



ELEMENTS OF STUUCTUKAL BOTANY. 



Fig. 68. 



CHAPTER X. 



EXAMINATION OF PLANTS WITH DICBCIOnS FLOWERS 



WILLOW MAPLE. 



74. Willow. The flowers of most kinds of "Willow 

 appear jn spring or early summer 

 before the leaves. They^ grow from 

 the axils in long, close clusters called 

 catkins or aments. Collect a few of 

 these from the same tree or shrub. 

 You will find them to be exactly 

 alike. If the first one you examine is covered with yellow 

 stamens (Fig. 68), all the rest will likewise consist of 

 stamens, and you will search 

 in vain for any appearance 

 of a pistil. , If, on the other 

 hand, one of your catkins is 

 evidently destitute of sta- 

 mens, and consists of oblong 

 'pistils (Fig. 69), then all the 

 others will in like manner Fig. 69. 



be found to be without stamens. Unlike our Cucumber 

 m*plant, the staminat6 and pistillate flowers of the 

 Willow are borne on different plants. These 

 flowers are therefore said to be diceciovs. As a 

 general thing, staminate and pistillate catkins 

 will be found upon trees not far apart. Procure 

 one of each kind, and examine first the stami- 

 nate one. You will probably find the stamens 

 Fig. 70. in pairs. Follo'T any pair of filaments down to 



Fig. 68.— Staminate catkin of Willow. Fig. 69.— Fertile catkin. 



Fig. 70.— Single staminate flower. 



