[236.] A Pistil (Fig. [220], [221]) when complete, has three parts; Ovary, Style, and Stigma. The Ovary, at base, is the hollow portion, which contains one or more Ovules or rudimentary seeds. The Style is the tapering portion above: the Stigma is a portion of the style, usually its tip, with moist naked surface, upon which grains of pollen may lodge and adhere, and thence make a growth which extends down to the ovules. When there is no style then the stigma occupies the tip of the ovary.
Fig. 221. Model of a simple pistil, with ovary cut across and slightly opened ventrally, to show the ovules and their attachment.
[237.] The Torus or Receptacle is the end of the flower-stalk, or the portion of axis or stem out of which the several organs of the flower grow, upon which they are borne (Fig. [223]).
Fig. 222. Flower of Sedum ternatum, a Stonecrop.
Fig. 223. Parts of same, two of each kind, separated and displayed; the torus or receptacle in the centre; a, a sepal; b, a petal; c, a stamen; d, a pistil.
238. The parts of the flower are thus disposed on the receptacle or axis essentially as are leaves upon a very short stem; first the sepals, or outer floral leaves; then the petals or inner floral leaves; then the stamens; lastly, at summit or centre, the pistils, when there are two or more of them, or the single pistil, when only one. Fig. [223] shows the organs displayed, two of each kind, of such a simple and symmetrical flower as that of a Sedum or Stonecrop, Fig. [222].