Formation of tubes.—The production of ascidia or pitchers from the cohesion of the margins of one or more leaves has been already alluded to ([see pp. 21], [30]), but there is another class of cases in which the tubular formation is due, not so much to the union of the margins of a leaf as to the disproportionate growth of some portions as contrasted with others, whence arises either a depressed cavity, as in the case of a leaf, or an expanded and excavated structure, when the stem or some portion of it is affected.
The fruit of the rose, the apple, the fig, and many others, is now generally admitted to be composed externally of the dilated end of the flower-stalk in which the true carpels become imbedded. Between such cases and that of a peltate leaf with a depressed centre, such as often occurs, to some extent, in Nelumbium, there is but little difference.
In cabbages and lettuces there not unfrequently occurs a production of leaf-like processes projecting from the primary blade at a right angle (see Enation). Sometimes these are developed in a tubular form, so as to form a series of little horn-like tubes, or shallow troughs, as in Aristolochia sipho. At other times the nerves or ribs of the leaf project beyond the blade, and bear at their extremities structures similar to those just described.
Fig. 167.—Lettuce leaf, bearing on the back a stalked cup, arising from the dilatation of the stalk (?).
In a variety of Codiæum variegatum a similar formation may be seen to a minor extent. Even the common Scolopendrium vulgare occasionally produces small pitchers of this character, as in the varieties named perafero-corautum, Moore, and peraferum, Woll.[350]
In carnations leaves may sometimes be seen from both surfaces, from which project long, sharp-pointed tubular spurs at irregular intervals. A very singular illustration of this is figured by Trattinick,[351], in which the leaves, epicalyx, sepals, and petals, were all provided with tubular spurs.
In Cephalotus follicularis rudimentary or imperfect pitchers may be frequently met with, in which the stalk of the leaf is tubular and bears at its extremity a very small rudimentary leaf-blade. It is not in all cases easy to trace the origin and true nature of the ascidium, as the venation is sometimes obscure. If there be a single well-marked midrib the probability is that the case is one of cohesion of the margins of the leaf; but if the veins are all of about equal size, and radiate from a common stalk, the pouch-like formation is probably due to dilatation and hollowing of the petiole. Again, when the result of a union of the margins of the leaf, the pitcher is generally less regular than when formed from the hollowed end of a leaf-stalk. Further information is especially needed as to the mode of development and formation of these tubular organs, so as to ascertain clearly when they are the result of a true cupping process, and when of cohesion of the margins of one or more leaves. (See Cohesion, p. 31. For bibliographical references consult also A. Braun, 'Flora v. Bot. Zeit.,' 1835, t. xviii, p. 41, Aristolochia.)