54 
PHARMACEUTICAL BOTANY 
I 
leaves of pale green color mottled with purple and white, and later, a 
flower stalk {scape), which bears upon its summit a single yellow, 
nodding flower, which is often marked with purple stripes. The 
flower consists of a torus or receptacle which will be observed as the 
upper swollen end of the flower stalk (scape). Inserted upon it, 
passing from periphery toward the center, will be noted four whorls 
of floral leaves which, in order, are calyx, corolla, andrcecium and 
gynoecium. The calyx is composed of three lance-shaped and re¬ 
curved yellow parts called sepals ; the corolla of three similarly 
looking parts called petals which alternate in position with the sepals. 
Both pf these whorls are collectively called the perianth or floral 
envelope. The androecium or male system of organs is composed 
of two whorls or circles of structures called microsporophylls or 
stamens. There are three stamens in each whorl. The outer whorl 
of stamens will be found opposite the sepals while the inner will be 
observed opposite the petals. Each stamen (microsporophyll) con¬ 
sists of an awl-shaped stalk or filament bearing upon its summit an 
oblong-linear body called an anther. The anther consists of two 
lobes called microsori. Each lobe or microsorus contains two anther 
sacs or microsporangia in which when mature are to be found micro¬ 
spores or pollen grains. In the center of the flower will be noted 
the gynoecium or female system of organs. This, upon dissection, 
will be found to consist of three fused carpellary leaves termed mega- 
sporophylls (carpels) forming a somewhat flask-shaped structure 
called a pistil. The swollen basal portion of the pistil is called the 
ovary, the stalk which arises from it is called the style and the knob¬ 
like viscid summit of the style is termed the stigma. 
Microscopical examination of sections of the ovary will reveal it 
to be composed of three chambers called locules, within each of which 
are to be noted several inverted ovules. Each of these ovules is 
developed upon a nourishing tissue termed “placenta” wl>ich con¬ 
nects the ovules to the inner angle of the wall of the locule. The 
ovule is composed of a central prominent megasporangium or nucellus 
which is almost completely invested by two upgrown integuments 
or coverings. The opening between the tips of the inner integument 
is called the micropyle (little gate). This is the gateway for the 
entrance of the pollen tube on its way to the nucellus. It is also 
