Cultivated-Plant Study 



68 1 



Partially closed pistillate blossom at the right, showing the stigmas and the nectar-cup at the 



center. Note the young pumpkin and the beautiful leaf; 



note also the angular, spiny stems. 



Photo by Verne Morton. 



distinctly ribbed or veined? Is the flower smooth on the inner and the 

 outer surface ? Are the edges of the lobes scalloped or ruffled ? 



3. What do you see at the bottom of the golden vase of this flower? 

 This yellow club, or knob, is formed by the joining of three anthers, one of 

 which is smaller than the others. Do all the pumpkin flowers have this 

 knob at the center? Look at the base of the standard which bears the 

 anther-knob, and note if there are some openings; how many? Cut off 

 the anther pedestal, and describe what is hidden beneath it. Note if the 

 bees find the openings to the nectar-well and probe there for the nectar. 

 Do they become dusted with pollen while seeking the nectar? 



4. What color is the pollen which is clinging to the anther? Is it soft 

 and light, or moist and sticky? Do you think that the wind would be 

 able to lift it from its deep cup and carry it to the cup of another flower ? 



5. Describe the calyx behind this pollen-bearing flower. How many 

 lobes has it? Are the lobes slender and pointed? 



6. Find one of the flowers which has below it a little green globe, 

 which will later develop into a pumpkin. How does this flower differ 

 from the one that bears the pollen ? 



7. Describe or sketch the pistil which is at the bottom of this flower 

 vase. Into how many lobes does it divide? Do these three stigmas face 

 outward, or toward each other? Are the styles which uphold the stigmas 

 short or long? Describe the cup in which they stand. Break away a bit 

 of this little yellow cup and taste it. Why do you think the pumpkin 

 flowers need such a large and well-filled nectary? Could insects get the 

 nectar from the cup without rubbing against the stigmas, the pollen with 



