DLEGUMINOS#-MIMOSEZ. 31 
variations in the structure of the flowers. Let us, for instance, first 
analyze those of the Sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica ;' Fr., Sensitive). 
We find that the receptacle forms a tiny inverted cone, round whose 
base are inserted the tetramerous calyx, corolla, and androceum, and 
a unicarpellary gynzeceum. The calyx is very short, gamosepalous, 
and membranous, with four valvate teeth, two anterior and two 
Mimosa pudica (Sensitive Plant). 
WGK X \\ 
aioe oN ‘ 
——N\ \\ 
RN ny 
LES = = ; 
= 
7 Bs * 
7 ZX 
<4 LES 
J ax 
Fia. 22. fire. 5% 
Branch. ‘THiasevatia 
posterior. The corolla is much longer and tubular, with four valvate 
leaves, alternating with the calyx-lobes and united by their edges 
for a variable distance. The stamens are alternipetalous, inserted 
below the foot of the ovary, with free filaments doubled up in the 
bud, but much exserted in anthesis and bearing introrse two-celled 
anthers,’ dehiscing longitudinally. The stipitate one-celled ovary, 
ending in a long style undilated at its stigmatiferous apex, contains 
four ovules inserted in pairs on a posterior oppositipetalous parietal 
placenta (fig. 25). These ovules are anatropous and descending, with 
the micropyle upwards and outwards. The fruit is a pod, whose 
pericarp is edged by a continuous string covered with soft prickles. 
From the whole length of this the two glabrous valves separate at 
maturity, dividing into as many joints as there are seeds. These 
contain a fleshy embryo surrounded by pretty copious albumen. 
All the AZimosas which approach this species and possess isoste- 
monous flowers belong to the section of the genus named: Lumimosa.® 
11, Spec., 1501.—H. B. K., op. cit., vi. suspended on top of the filament. The pollen 
252.—DC., Prodr., ii. 426, u. 12, is in numerous grains as in Adenanthera. 
2 The cells are nearly lateral, and as it: were * DC, Mém. Légum., 12; Prodr., sect. 1. 
