Flowers: Many tree species bear flowers readily interpreted within the foregoing structural framework. However, marked deviations from the basic or normal pattern are common. Basswood for example, bears normal bisexual flowers, whereas in willow only unisexual flowers occur, that is, either gynoecium or androecium is lacking. The unisexual flowers of willow or poplar have a greatly modified perianth and are grouped together in structures called catkins. A specific willow tree bears catkins composed solely of male (staminate) flowers, while in another tree only female flowers occur.
Nicotiana alata originally came from southern Brazil, and its flowers once opened about 6:00 P.M. But hybridizers have been busy and the flowers now stay open most of the day. Yet it is at night that the sweet fragrance makes its mark. Two cultivars are especially recommended: 'Grandiflora Alata' growing 3 feet high, with large white flowers often 2 inches across; and 'Lime Green' reaching 30 inches in height, with flowers the shade of lime sherbert. |
