82 
CALYX. 
The parts of the flower, or the organs of fructification are 
the following, 
f Calyx , 
Corolla , 
Stamen , 
- Pistil , 
Pericarp , 
Seed, 
b Receptacle. 
CALYX. 
The Calyx is frequently wanting ; as in the tulip. The co- 
rolla is also wanting in many plants ; as, in most of the forest 
trees ; these to a careful observer, may seem to produce no flow- 
er, but the presence of a stamen and pistil, is in botany, consider- 
ed as constituting a perfect flower. These two organs are es- 
sential to the perfection of the fruit ; and when a flower is des- 
titute either of stamens or pistils, it is termed imperfect. 
The word Calyx is derived from the Greek, and literally sig- 
nifies a cup ; it is the outer cover of the corolla, and usually 
green ; when not green it is said to be coloured. This organ is 
an expansion of the bark of the peduncle or flower-stalk, as ap- 
pears from its colour and texture. The calyx usually envelopes 
the corolla, previous to its expansion, and afterwards remains 
below or around its base. Sometimes the calyx consists of one 
leaf only, it is then called monophyllous ; when it consists of 
several distinct leaves, it is called polyphyllous ; when one calyx 
is surrounded by another, it is double ; when one calyx sur- 
rounds many plants, it is common. 
In the calyx are three parts, very distinct in calyxes 
which are long and cylindric ; they are I st. the tube which 
commences at the base, or the top of the peduncle ; 2nd. the 
throat , above the tube ; and 3d. the mouth , or the upper and ex- 
panded part ; the tube of the calyx is cylindric in the pink, and 
prismatic in the stramonium. 
The position of the calyx with respect to the germ, offers an 
important mark of distinction between different genera, and also 
between different natural families of plants. The calyx is said 
to b e^uperior when it is situated on the summit of the germ, 
as in the apple ; it is inferior when situated below the germ, as 
in the pink. In many plants the calyx is neither superior or 
inferior but is situated around the germ. 
When the calyx drops off before the flower fully expands, it is 
Organs of fructification — Calyx, sometimes wanting — Description of the 
calyx — Parts of the calyx — Position with respect to the germ — Duration — 
