EXPLANATION OF THE TERMS USED 



A. See Floral Formula and Stamens. 



Alternate, Used of leaves or other parts when each one arises from a different 



level on the stem from the next. 

 Anther. The terminal and pollen-bearing part of the stamen, usually yellow. 



(Fig. 82 c.) 

 Apex. The top. In the case of leaves the end furthest from the point of 



attachment. 

 Awl-shaped. Tapering evenly from base to apex, and not narrowing at the base. 



(Fig. 43 G.) 

 Axil. The upper angle formed by a leaf or branch with the stem, or by a side vein 



with the main vein. 

 AxnxARY. Used of flowers borne in the axil of a leaf. (Fig. 78 A, h-k, and M.) 

 Axis. An imaginary line running through the centre of a plant or any part of a 



plant. Also used generally of any structure on or immediately around the axis. 



Base. The bottom. In the case of leaves that part of the blade nearest the point 

 of attachment. {Heart-shaped base. Fig. 78 g; straight. Fig. 78 k; rounded^ 

 Fig. 78 e and l; tapering or wedge-shaped. Fig. 78 a, d, f-j, and M.) 



Bract. Any leaf-like structure on the flower-stalk outside the sepals and petals. 

 (Fig. 82 c.) Also used of the small leaves from the axils of which the flowers 

 arise. (Fig. 86 G.) 



C. See Floral Formula and Corolla. 



Calyx (K). The outermost parts of the flower, usually green, and resembling a 

 ring of small leaves enclosing the petals and internal organs. (Fig. 82 c.) 

 The separate parts are known as the sepals. Denoted in the floral formulae by 

 the letter K (from the Greek word kalyx, cover). Note that in the Compositae 

 (Daisy family) there is a false calyx composed of bracts, and that what appears 

 to be one flower is really a composite head of small highly specialized flowers. 

 (Fig. 99 l.) 



Capsule. A dry splitting fruit made up of more than one carpel. (Fig. 84 e.) 



Carpel. One or more special ovule-bearing structures which will be seen in the 

 centre of most flowers (considered by some botanists to be originally a leaf 

 which has become changed and specialized for the production of seed). After 

 fertilization the carpel usually enlarges and becomes the fruit. (Figs. 112 

 and 113.) 



Catkin. A tail-like or brush-like collection of small unisexual and usually stalkless 

 flowers without petals, but with scale-like bracts, the whole falling as one, e.g. 

 the 'lambs' tails' of hazel. (Figs. 106 to iii.) 



Cluster. When two or more leaves, flowers, or fruits arise from the same point 

 at the end of the main stem or of a side shoot (often very short and scarcely 

 perceptible), they are said to be in a cluster. (Fig. 94 H and j.) A flower- 

 cluster of this kind is called an umbel, a term not used in this book. (Fig. 120 a 

 shows a compound umbel.) To avoid technicalities the term branched cluster is 



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