CHAPTER V. 



THE INFLORBSOENOB. 



1. The term Inflorescence indicates the mode of flowering, 

 or the situation and arrangement of the flowers on the plant. 

 That this is quite various in different species of plants can be 

 seen by noting the numerous examples to be found any time 

 during the growing season. If the flowers develop from lateral 

 buds the inflorescence is said to be indeterminate, since the 

 shoot, terminated by a leaf-bud, may continue to grow in 

 length. 



Collect specimens of numerous flower-clusters of both native and culti- 

 vated plants, securing as many forms and variations as possible. Compare 

 these in detail, and arrange so as to show aflinities. Make a diagrammatic 

 figure of one of each kind. As noted elsewhere, all illustrative specimens 

 should be saved for use in review ; in this case, after drying under pressure, 

 attach to cardboard or to thick sheets of white paper. 



2. If the flowers develop from terminal buds the inflor- 

 escence is determinate, so-called because the length of the 

 axis is thereby determined ; it cannot grow longer. The in- 

 determinate inflorescence is also centripetal, that is, the outer- 

 most flowers (when the cluster is level-topped) or the lowest 

 on the stem open first, and those higher follow in regular suc- 

 cession, until finally the one in the centre or at the top ex- 

 pands. Examples are furnished by the Lily of the Valley, 

 Currant, Plantain, Shepherd's Purse, etc. The determinate 

 inflorescence is centrifagal, inasmuch as the flowering begins 

 in the centre or at the top and proceeds outward or down- 

 ward. This is exhibited in the Chickweed, Dianthus, Hy- 

 drangea, etc. 



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