Protection against Rain in the Elder

Abstract

IT is quite possible that the mode in which the flowers of the elder protect themselves against the rain has been described before, though I do not recollect to have seen any account of it. I have been noticing the great contrast between the aspect of a large elder-tree in full blossom, visible from my study window, presented yesterday and to-day. To-day, which is warm and sunny, every inflorescence is in its normal position, with the flat surface nearly horizontal, so as to get as much sun as possible. Yesterday was cold and very wet, and in every one of the inflorescences the upper part of the stalk was so curved as to bring, as far as the foliage would permit, the surface of the inflorescence to an angle of very nearly 90° with the horizon, so that the rain ran off, and scarcely any of it reached the interior of the flowers.