184 
OKGANOGRAPHY. 
BOOK r. 
short and corymbose, with a centrifugal expansion indicated 
by the presence of a soHtary flower seated in the axils of the 
dichotomous ramifications, and a clear conception is formed of 
what is called a cyme. This kind of inflorescence is found in 
Sambucus, Viburnum, and other plants {Jig, 84.). 
If the cyme is reduced to a very few flowers, such a dis- 
position has been called a verticillaster by Hoflmansegg. 
{Verzeicliniss z, Pflanz. Cult^ ii. 203.) It constitutes the 
normal form of inflorescence in Labiatae, in which two verti- 
cillastri are situated opposite to each other in the axils of the 
opposite leaves. By Linnaeus, the union of two such verticil- 
lastri was called a verticillus or whorl ; and by others, with 
more accuracy, a verticillus spurius or false whorl. Link terms 
this inflorescence a thyrsula ; but Hoflmansegg's name seems 
preferable. 
The following tabular view of the differences in in- 
florescences will probably tend to render the above remarks 
more clear : — 
Flowers not placed on stalks, 
arranged upon a lengthened axis, 
which is permanent. Spike, Lociista, Spadix, 
which is deciduous. Catkin, 
arranged upon a depressed axis, Capitulum, Anthodium. 
Flowers placed on distinct stalks, 
arranged upon a lengthened axis. 
Stalks simple, 
and of equal length, Raceme, 
the lowermost the longest. 
Inflorescence centripetal. Corymb. 
centrifugal, jPascic/e. 
Stalks branched. 
Inflorescence lengthened and 
centripetal. Panicle, 
depressed and cen- 
trifugal. Cyme, Verticillaster, 
arranged upon a depressed axis. Umbel. 
It occasionally happens, as in the Vine, that tlie rachis of 
some of the masses of inflorescence loses its flowers ; but at 
