68 
CALYX. 
presentation (Fig. 67) of the Spatha of the Arum (&,) and of the 
Narcissus, (c.) In the Egyptian Lily, the spatha is white and per¬ 
manent, and the stamens and pistils grow upon different parts of 
the spadix. Palms have a spadix which is branched, and often 
bears a great quantity of fruit. 
Glum,e, is from the Latin word gluma , a husk. This is the calyx 
of the grasses, and grass-like plants. In the oat and wheat it forms 
the chaff, a 
part which is 
thrown away 
as worthless.. 
In the oat, 
(Fig. 68,) the 
glume calyx 
is composed 
of two pieces 
called valves; 
in some kinds 
of grain of but 
one, in others 
of more than two valves. To the glume belongs the aw$ or beard. 
The corolla of grasses is husky, like the calyx, and is sometimes 
considered as a part of it. Some botanists consider that there is in 
the grasses, neither calyx nor corolla, and that these scales are only 
membranous bracts. 
Calyptra. This term is derived from the Greek, and signifies a 
veil. It is the cap, or hood, of pistillate mosses, resembling in form 
and position, the extinguisher of a candle.* 
Volva , the ring, or wrapper of the fungus plants. It first encloses 
the head of the Fungus, afterward bursts and contracts, remaining 
on the stems, or at the root.j 
We have now considered the different kinds of calyx. We find 
that this organ is not essential, 6ince it is wanting in some plants, 
but its presence adds to the completeness of the flower; in some 
cases it is the most showy part; as in the Lady’s-ear-drop, where 
it is of a bright scarlet-colour, and in the Egyptian Lily, where it is 
pure white. 
The calyx is of use in protecting the other parts of the flower be¬ 
fore they expand, and afterward supporting them in their proper 
position. Pinks, having petals with long and slender claws, which 
would droop or break without support, have a calyx. Tulips 
having firm petals, and each one resting upon a broad strong basis, 
are able to support themselves, and they have no calyx. In some 
plants, the calyx serves as a seed-vessel; as in the order Gymnos- 
permia , of the class Didynamia , where there are four seeds lying in 
the bottom of the calyx. 
* See Fig. 153, e. t See Fig. 157, d . 
Glume—Calyptra—Uses of the calyx. 
