Genus Statics as represented at Blakeney Point. I. 247 
later in relation to the forms with which they are associated. Normally the 
tip is acute and terminates in the excurrent midrib, which is a bristle-like 
process sometimes nearly 2 mm. in length. In other leaves upon the same 
plant, however, this may be so short as to be practically absent. The leaf is 
bordered by a narrow hyaline margin that, towards the base of the petiole, 
broadens out on both sides to form the sheathing leaf base. The latter 
bears mucilage-secreting glands. 
The venation usually consists of a prominent midrib accompanied 
by two lateral veins that in the petiole run parallel to it. In the blade the 
lateral veins diverge somewhat and usually disappear at about the region of 
maximum width. In the upper part of the blade two or more small 
veins are sometimes visible arising in a pinnate manner from the midrib. 
In the narrower types of leaf the lateral veins may be altogether absent. 
The leaves, from the absence of internodes, constitute a rosette 
which is pressed close to the ground. At first the leaves are erect and 
in this position their sheathing bases protect the younger foliage. In the 
juvenile state the lamina is rolled inwards parallel to the midrib. As 
the petioles elongate the blades spread outwards, unless the plant be 
protected as when surrounded by other vegetation, and a closely ad- 
pressed rosette results, in which condition the winter is passed. The 
leaves of any one season usually persist until late into the season following. 
The Scape. 
The scapes are usually erect with ascending branches ; the latter all 
arise at an acute angle with the axis from which they originate, The 
scape is usually branched from 
below the middle, and the 
primary branches of the in- 
florescence mostly lie in one 
plane. 
Sterile branches are few or 
entirely absent ; the spikelets 
are crowded and form two im- 
bricated rows. The interval 
between successive spikelets 
on the same side of the axis 
is usually less than two-thirds 
the length of the spikelet. 
Each spikelet contains from one to three flowers, of which one, however, 
may be abortive. 
Typically the scape is only scabrid-pulverulent, due to conically 
projecting cells, in the later branchinm or even smooth throughout. 
Flowering period. From the middle of July to the end of August. 
Harrow BroaA o^cAvce. 
-"U-cxveA reVvcu\c vta, 
Text-fig. 3. Calyces of Statice binervosa and 
S. reticulata (= bellidifolia ). Enlarged. 
