Stamens 



IIS 



corolla. Thus the stamens may be hypogynous (fig. i66, h), 

 perigynous (fig. i66, p), or epigynous (fig. i66, e). In addition 

 to these positions the stamens may be upon the corolla, when 

 they are said to be epipetalous (or epiphyllous when there is 

 a perianth), as in the Honeysuckle (fig. 211). If the filament 

 of the stamens be absent, as in the Verbena (fig. 212), the 

 anthers are said to be sessile. 



More often there is a filament present which is generally 

 thin and thread-like, but sometimes, as in some of the stamens 

 of the Water-lily, it is broad and flat. Generally the various 

 filaments are about the same length, but in some cases there is 

 a constant difference between the stamens on this point. Thus 



Fig. 212. — Section of 

 corolla of Verbena^ 

 with sessile epipetalous 

 anthers. 



Fig. 213. — Tetrad ynamous sta- 

 mens and pistil of Brassica. 

 nigra- ; a shorter, b longer 

 stamens. 



Fig. 214.— Flower of 

 Laniiwn, with 

 didynamous sta- 

 mens. 



in the Mustard (fig. 213), and allied plants of the natural order 

 Cruciferse, there are four long and two short stamens, when 

 they are said to be tetradynamous ; whilst in the Dead-nettle 

 and most other plants of the order Labiatae there are two long 

 and two short, and the stamens are didynamous (fig. 214). 



If the anthers are attached immediately upon the top of the 

 filaments they are said to be innate, or basifixed, in their at- 

 tachment. If the filament is prolonged up behind the anthers 

 they are adnate or dorsifixed ; and if it be attached loosely to 

 the centres of the anthers, so that they swing upon the point of 

 attachment, as in the Wheat (fig. 215), they are versatile. 



