Adhesion of the sepals to the petals is spoken of by Morren as calyphyomy, καλυξ φυομαι.[33] Moquin cites an instance in Geranium nodosum, in which one petal was united by its lower surface to one of the segments of the calyx. A similar circumstance has been observed in Petunia violacea by Morren. Duchartre describes an instance wherein one of the outer sepals of Cattleya Forbesii was adherent to the labellum.[34]
Adhesion of the stamens to the petals is of common occurrence under natural circumstances. Cassini has described a malformation of Centaurea collina, in which two of the five stamens were completely grafted with the corolla, the three others remaining perfectly free. Adhesion of the petals to the column is not of infrequent occurrence among Orchids. I have observed cases of the adhesion of the segments of the perianth to the stamen in Ophrys aranifera, Odontoglossum, sp. &c. It is the ordinary condition in Gongora and some other genera. I have seen it also in Lilium lancifolium. Some forms of Crocus, occasionally met with, present a very singular appearance, owing to the adhesion of the stamens to the outer segments of the perianth, the former, moreover, being partially petaloid in aspect. M. de la Vaud[35] speaks of a similar union in Tigridia pavonia. Morren[36] describes a malformation of Fuchsia wherein the petals were so completely adherent to the stamens, that the former were dragged out of their ordinary position, so as to become opposite to the sepals; the fusion was here so complete that, no trace of it could be seen externally. It should be remarked that it was the outer series of stamens that were thus fused.[37]
Fig. 12.—Crocus. Adhesion of petaloid stamens to perianth.
Adhesion of stamens to pistils.—The stamens also may be united to the pistils, as in gynandrous plants. Moquin speaks of such a case in a Scabious; M. Clos in Verbascum australe.[38] I have seen cases of the same kind in the Wallflower, Cowslip (Primula veris), Tulip, Orange, in the garden Azalea and other plants.
Miscellaneous adhesions.—Sometimes organs, comparatively speaking, widely separated one from the other, become united together. Miquel has recorded the union of a stigma with the middle lobe of the lower lip of the corolla of Salvia pratensis.[39] In the accompanying figure [fig. 13], taken from a double wallflower, there is shown an adhesion between a petal and an open carpel on the one side, and a stamen on the other.
Moquin speaks of some pears, which were united, at an early stage, with one or two small leaves borne by the peduncle and grafted to the fruit by the whole of their upper surface. As the pear increased in size the leaves became detached from it, leaving on the surface of the fruit an impression of the same form as the leaf, and differing in colour from the rest of the surface of the fruit. Traces of the principal nerves were seen on the pear.