NATUBE-STUDY LESSONS. 135 



C. The Flower and Fruit. 



8. (a) Observe and describe the flowering-stem of a 



plantain. 



A flower-cluster in which there are numerous sessile flowers arranged 

 closely along an elongated axis is a spiie. 



{b) Name other plants which have their flowers in 

 spikes. 



9. What is the largest number of spikes you have 

 observed on one plant ? 



10. Find the number of flowers on a spike and hence 

 estimate the number on the plant. 



1 1. How many seeds are in one seed-box ? 



The capsule or seed-box of the plantain is called a pyxis. The top 

 comes ofi' like a lid. 



12. {a) Estimate the number of seeds produced by a 



vigorous plant. 

 {b) Compare the number of seeds produced by a 

 plantain plant with the number produced 

 by any other weed you know and infer 

 which of these plants is likely to be the 

 more common. 



13. Investigate the causes which may prevent many 



of the seeds from becoming plants. 



14. Use the lens to observe the seed and make 

 enlarged drawings of the seed and seed-pod. 



The different species of plantain are distinguishable by the form of the 

 seed-pod, the form of the seed, and the number of seeds in a pod. Try to 

 find as many different kinds as you can. 



D. Its Extermination. 



15. To prevent the growth of young plants, what 

 precautions must be observed regarding old plants? 



