FLOWERS 



61 



that the topmost part of pistils is a part well suited to catch 



and hold pollen. This part is called the stigma. In 



syringa, as you can see, the 



stigma consists of four branches. 



That part of the pistil which 



connects the stigma with the 



ovary is the style. 



Many flowers do not have 

 all the parts which have just 

 been described, but in most of 

 the flowers with which you 

 are familiar you will find them. 

 In order to understand descrip- 

 tions of flowers and their func- 

 tions it is quite necessary for 

 you to understand the mean- 

 ing of the terms to which you 

 have just been introduced. 



There is a great variety of 

 flower forms, an even greater 

 variety than there is in the 

 forms of the plants which bear 

 them. Notice Figures 12 and 

 73 and think of the differences 

 in the forms of flowers with 

 which you are familiar. Yet, 

 just as it is with plants as a whole, so with flowers 

 they all have the same task to perform. The devices are 

 extremely various, but the purpose to be accomplished is 

 the same. Roots, stems, and leaves, as you have seen, 

 secure certain supplies and use them, and so maintain the 

 life of the individual. The flower produces seed and so 



FIG. 12. Flowers of one of the mint 

 family (Stachys). 



