CALYX. 
83 
called caducous ; the petals of the poppy are at first, enclosed 
in a calyx of two large green leaves, but these fall off before 
the flower is full blown. When the calyx withers and drops off 
with the corolla it is called deciduous. In many plants it re- 
mains until the fruit is matured ; it is then called persistent. In 
a pea pod for example, the calyx may be seen as perfect as it 
was in the blossom. In an apple or a pear, the dried leaves of 
the calyx may be seen on the tops of the fruit ; this shows that 
the calyx was superior. 
According to the divisions of Linnaeus there are seven kinds 
of calyxes ; viz. 
Perianth , 
Involucrum, 
Ament, 
^ Spatha, 
Glume, 
Calyptra, 
Volva. 
Perianth. This term is derived from the two Greek words 
peri around ; and anthos flower. This is the only real calyx 
or cup, as the term cup does not properly apply to the other 
kinds. A good example of the perianth calyx is presented in 
the rose in which it is wrn-form, with divisions resembling 
small leavesat the top : in the pink the perianth is long and tubu- 
lar, having the border dentate or toothed. The holly-hock, hi- 
biscus, and many other plants have a double perianth. 
The general remarks which were made upon the calyx may 
be considered as chiefly applicable to the perianth. 
Involucrum. This term is derived from the Latin, involvo, 
to wrap up ; this kind of calyx is usually found at the base of 
an umbel ; as, in the carrot. It is said to be universal , when it 
belongs equally to the whole of an aggregate flower ; and par- 
tial when it encloses one floret, which, with others, constitutes 
a compound or aggregate flower. The term involucrum is ap- 
plied to the membranous covering in the fructification of 
germs. 
Ament or catkin. Is a kind of calyx, by some classed as a 
mode of inflorescence ; it consists of many chaffy scales, ranged 
along a thread-like stalk or receptacle ; each scale protects one or 
more of the stamens or pistils, the whole forming one aggregate 
flower. The Ament is common in forests trees ; as in the oak 
and chesnut ; and is also found in the willow and poplar. In 
some trees, the staminate flowers are enclosed in an ament, and 
the pistillate in a perianth. 
Different kinds of calyxes — Perianth — Involucrum — Ament. — 
