he placenta.

8. Here, again, a very singular condition presented itself: the calyx
and corolla separated from each other, the stamens partly developed, the
axis continued beyond the corolla, branched and bearing normal leaves so
as exactly to resemble an ordinary stem, while in consequence of the
calyx and corolla being bent down to the ground, adventitious roots were
developed from the axis on the under side above each of them. In another
case, where the calyx and corolla were approximated, the ovary was open
above, and sent out six shoots from within, perfectly developed, clearly
representing the central placenta and five axile buds, and each giving
out a number of adventitious roots at its base."

In other genera of the same order (_Primulaceae_) an extension of the
placenta into a leafy branch has been observed, as in _Lysimachia_,
where in one case the prolonged placenta was removed and struck as a
cutting.[120]

In _Ericaceae_ too, the axile placenta has been seen ovuliferous at the
base and prolonged above into a leafy branch.[121]

=Median floral prolification.=--This is of more frequent occurrence than
the preceding. The prolonged axis is more frequently terminated by a
flower-bud than by a leaf-bud, though it must be remarked, that the
lengthened and protruded stem frequently bears leaves upon its sides,
even if it terminate in a flower, and thus the new growth partakes of a
mixed leafy and floral nature. Instances of this kind have long been
familiar to observers, and have always excited attention from the
singularity of their appearance. In one of the old stained-glass
windows, apparently of Dutch manufacture, in the Bodleian Picture
Gallery at Oxford, is a representation of a _Ranunculus_ affected with
median floral prolification.[122] In pinks the affection is not
unfrequently met with. Fig. 60 shows an instance of the kind copied from
Schotterbec.

A singular instance of prolification in the central flower of one of the
verticillasters of _Phlomis fruticosa_ fell under my own notice; it was
a case wherein the calyx was torn on one side, and one of its lobes had
become petaloid. Between the calyx and the corolla were three or four
spathulate, hairy, bract-like organs; the corolla and stamens were
unchanged; but in place of the usual four-lobed ovary there was a single
carpel with a basilar style, terminated by a forked stigma. Occupying
the place of the other lobes of the pistil was an oblong woolly