Fig. 130.—Fuchsia, with one of the sepals leaf-like.
De Candolle[256] figures a curious instance wherein the pappus of Podospermum laciniatum was replaced by five linear, foliaceous lobes. A similar change has been noticed in other composites, as in Tragopogon pratense. Engelmann mentions as subject to this hypertrophy of the pappus, as it may be termed, Scorzonera octangularis and Senecio vulgaris. Wigand has observed a similar transformation in a species of Centranthus (Valerianaceæ).
In some cases the phyllody of the sepals has a special interest, as bearing on the question whether what is termed calyx-tube is or is not a portion of the calyx, and whether the sepals are modifications of the blade or of the sheath of the leaf. Thus in the primrose the phyllodic sepals seem to show clearly that the sepals are in that plant of a laminar nature (fig. 131). The so-called calyx-tube of roses is elsewhere alluded to. The leaf-like organs sometimes seen at the apex of a cucumber would seem to support the view that there was really a calyx-tube in Cucurbitaceæ adherent to the carpels. It is also shown in the cut, fig. 132, borrowed from the 'Gardeners' Chronicle,' 1859, p. 654.
Fig. 131.—Primrose. Calyx of foliaceous segments.
Fig. 132.—Leafy calyx of melon.