21. The floral tube is formed by fusion of the basal segments of the tepals ( proximally connate ). 22. There are six stamens with laterally connate filaments and oblong to ovate anthers, dorsifixed towards the base. 23. Ovary 4 or 5 (-8 or more ) carpellate; styles free or rarely connate at base. 24. In fruit, bracteoles become enlarged and hardened, sometimes with dentate margins, sometimes several flowers becoming connate . 25. An understanding of the geochemistry of connate fluids is important if the diagenesis of the rock is to be quantified. 26. The flowers may have 4-5 faintly connate but imbricate sepals with an equal number of distinct, imbricate petals. 27. The staminate flowers are long and asymmetrical with three linear, triangular sepals, basally connate and adnate to the receptacle. 28. The spike-shaped inflorescences consist of opposite bracts, mostly connate and stem-clasping, free in some species. 29. For example, with connate brines the salinity is higher than that of sea water but lower than that of salt lakes. 30. The spike-shaped inflorescences consist of alternate or opposite bracts, these are often connate and stem-clasping, sometimes free.
