CREAM-CUPS.
Platystemon Californicus, Benth. Poppy Family.
Delicate hairy herbs. Stems.—A span or two high. Leaves.—Mostly opposite; sessile; two to four inches long. Flowers.—Axillary; long-peduncled; an inch or so across. Sepals.—Three; falling early. Petals.—Six, in two rows; cream-color, often with a yellow spot at base. Stamens.—Numerous. Filaments broad; petaloid. Pistils.—Six to twenty-five; united in a ring at first; afterward separating. Stigmas terminal. Hab.—Throughout California.
[CREAM-CUPS—Platystemon Californicus.]
![[CREAM-CUPS—Platystemon Californicus.]](#3624944100741987669_f037.png.id-7595125137849112562.wrap-0.html.html){kind=link}
The cream-cups are delicate, hairy plants of the early springtime, which often grow in masses and take possession of whole fields. They seem to be more vigorous in the south, and produce larger flowers there than in the north, often having as many as nine petals. The delicate, nodding green buds (like miniature poppy-buds) soon throw off their outer wrappings, and, emerging from captivity, gradually assume an erect position and unfurl their lovely, pure, straw-colored petals to their widest extent. These blossoms open for several successive days.
The genus takes its name from the flat filaments. The numerous slender pistils are so cleverly joined together into a cylinder, that they appear like a hollow, one-celled ovary. But a cross-section will show the separate ovaries under a glass.
Some people like the odor of these flowers; but I must confess to a lack of appreciation of it. I suspect its charm must exist in some pleasant association.