The Different Forms of Flowers on Plants of the Same Species

In this careful study, the author turns a curiosity about the many shapes of a single species’ blossoms into a broader inquiry about how those shapes shape reproduction. By comparing long‑stalked and short‑stalked flowers in familiar wildflowers such as cowslips, primroses, and meadow grasses, he shows how subtle structural differences can steer pollen exchange toward either success or sterility. The narrative follows a series of detailed observations, experiments with hand‑pollination, and careful statistical notes that reveal a hidden logic in nature’s design.

The work then widens its scope to include trimorphic species, hybrid forms, and the occasional malformed seedling that results from “illegitimate” unions. Readers hear about the surprising ways pollen‑grain size, stigma shape, and flower twisting influence fertility across dozens of genera, from lilies to violets. In the process, the book offers a vivid picture of how plants balance competition and cooperation, providing a foundation for modern ideas about genetics and evolution.