LXKLOKESCENCE. 
2d. Raceme^ (^^ig- 88, a,) consists of numerous flowers, each on 
its own stalk, and all arranged on one common peduncle, as in the 
locust and currant. 
3d. Panicle, (Fig. 88, 6,) bears the flowers in a kind of loose, sub- 
divided bunch or cluster, without any regular order ; as in the oat, 
and some other grasses. A panicle contracted into a compact, some- 
what ovate form, as in the lilac, is caUed a thyrse, as a bunch of grapes. 
Fig. 88. 
4th. Spike, (Fiff. 89, a,) this is an assemblage of flowers arising 
from the sides of a common stem ; the flowers are sessile or with 
very short peduncles; as the 
grasses and mullein. A spike 
is generally erect. The lowest 
flowers usually blossom and 
fade before the upper ones ex- 
pand. When the flowers in a 
spike are crowded very close, 
an ear is formed, as in Indian 
corn. 
5th. Umbel, (Fi^. 89, 6,) con- 
sists of several flower-stalks, 
of nearly equal length, spread- 
ing out from a common c en- 
tre, like the rays of an umbrel- 
la, bearing flowers on their 
summits; as fennel and carrot. 
Fig. 89. 
llacerne — Panicle — Spike — Umbel. 
