186 



DOMESTIC BOTANY. 



CLASS IV.— GYMNOSPEEMS. {Gijmnogens. 

 Lindley.) 



Seed a naked ovule ; embryo with one cotyledon 

 (Cycads) or two or more (Conifers). Leaves free veined. 

 Stems endogenous (Cycads) or exogenous (Conifers). 



Fig. 13. 



d. Leaf of ditto ; e. Section of stem of Cycas. 



The mode of fertilization and nature of the seeds 

 (fruit) of the plants in this family is of a special cha- 

 racter. The flowers so called are unisexual, and desti- 

 tute of calyx and corolla; the male consists of sessile 

 anthers, seated on the scales of cones or catkins, the 

 female being represented by an ovule only, destitute of 

 ovary, style, and stigma ; fertilization being effected by 

 the pollen coming in direct contact with the apex of the 

 naked ovule, which in time becomes an albuminous nut- 

 seed, destitute of a true seed coat. 



