Two Kinds of Stamens with Different Functions in the Same Flower

Abstract

To the Melastomaceæ and Commelynaceæ mentioned in NATURE (vol. xxiv. p. 307, vol. xxvi. p. 386, and vol. xxvii. p. 30), may be added the genera Mollia (Tiliaceæ), Lagerstrœmia (Lythraceæ), and Heteranthera (Pontederaceæ), for having differently coloured anthers. In several species of Mollia, according to Darwin (“Forms of Flowers,” p. 168, footnote), the longer stamens of the five outer cohorts have green pollen, whilst the shorter stamens of the five inner cohorts have yellow pollen; the stigma stands close beneath the uppermost anthers. In a Lagerstrœmia in my garden the six outer stamens have green pollen, and are much longer than the numerous inner ones, which have bright yellow pollen; the stigma stands on a level with the outer anthers. I have repeatedly seen bees alighting on, and gathering the pollen of, the inner anthers without noticing the outer ones.