The stamens occur in varying numbers;
typically there are three, but not rarely less, or more, are seen. In
some instances the complete double whorl of six, corresponding to the
ancestral monocotyledonous type, has been found. This is a very curious
case of systematic atavism, quite analogous to the _Iris pallida
abavia_, previously alluded to, which likewise has six stamens, and to
the cases given in a previous lecture. But for our present discussion it
is of no further interest. The ovary is situated in the middle of the
flower, and in some instances two have been observed. This is also to be
considered as a case of atavism.
All these parts of the adventitious flower are more or less subject to
arrest of development, [682] in a later stage. They may even sometimes
become abnormal. Stamens may unite into pairs, or carpels bear four
stigmas. The pollen-sacs are as a rule barren, the mother-cells
undergoing atrophy, while normal grains are seen but rarely. Likewise
the ovaries are rudimentary, but Wittmack has observed the occasional
production of ripe grains from these abnormal florets.
The scale is seldom seen to extend any farther upwards than the
supernumerary flower. But in the rare instances where it does prolong
its growth, it may repeat the abnormality and bear a second floret above
the first.
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