Fig. 4.
Fig. 5.
Fig. 6.
A Spathe is the peculiar leaf-like bract which usually envelopes a spadix. (See Jack-in-the-Pulpit and Skunk Cabbage, Pls. CII. and CIV., also Fig. 5.)
A leaf or flower which is set so close in the stem as to show no sign of a separate leaf or flower-stalk, is said to be Sessile.
A Complete Flower (Fig. 6) is “that part of a plant which subserves the purpose of producing seed, consisting of stamens and pistils, which are the essential organs, and the calyx and corolla, which are the protecting organs.” (Gray.)
The green outer flower-cup, or outer set of green leaves, which we notice at the base of many flowers, is the Calyx (Fig. 6 Ca). At times this part is brightly colored and may be the most conspicuous feature of the flower.