Evidently
this relation cannot be accounted for on the assumption of an absolute
disappearance; something must remain from which the old features may be
restored.
This lengthy discussion may be closed by the citation of the cases, in
which plants not only show developmental features of a former state, but
also reproduce the special features they formerly had, but seemingly
have lost. Two good illustrative examples may be given. One is afforded
by the wheat-ear carnation, the other by the green dahlias, and both
have occurred of late in my own cultures.
A very curious anomaly may from time to time be observed in large beds
of carnations. It bears no flowers, but instead of them small green
ears, which recall the ears of wheat. Thence the name of "Wheat-ear"
carnation. On closer inspection it is easily seen how they originate.
The normal flowers of the carnations are preceded by a small group of
bracts, [228] which are arranged in opposite pairs and therefore
constitute four rows.
In this variety the flower is suppressed and this loss is attended by a
corresponding increase of the number of the pairs of bracts. This
malformation results in square spikes or somewhat elongated heads
consisting only of the greenish bracts. As there are no flowers, the
variety is quite sterile, and as it is not regarded by horticulturists
as an improvement on the ordinary bright carnations, it is seldom
multiplied by layering.
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