Indefinite Inflorescence 



95 



axis and sessile flowers, as in the Verbena (fig. 148), Plantain, 

 or Wheat. 



A raceme is an indefinite inflorescence with a lengthened 

 axis and stalked flowers, as 

 in the Snapdragon (fig. 145) 

 and Currant (fig. 149). 



A capitulum is an indefi- 

 nite inflorescence with short- 

 ened axis and sessile flowers, 

 as in the Marigold (fig. 144), 

 Burdock (fig. 146), and 

 Dandelion. 



An umbel is an indefinite 

 inflorescence with shortened 

 axis and stalked flowers, as AVI 



in the Cherry (fig. 150). If 



Fig. 150.— Simple umbel of the Cherry. 



Fig. 151.— Compound umbel of Fool's Parsley 

 {j^thitsa Cyneipiutn) ; common involucre 

 wanting ; involucels of three leaves each. 



each branch of the umbel be itself branched, the compound 

 umbel is produced, as in the Fool's Parsley (fig. 151). Gene- 

 rally the capitulum and umbel are surrounded by an involucre of 

 bracts, and sometimes the secondary branches of the compound 

 umbel have a special involucre which is called the involucel. 

 Special names are given to varieties of some of these forms. 



