124 



DICOTYLEDONS 



3. Stem and Leaves. — Stem and leaf-stalks are covered with 

 a bluish-white substance. Stem often channelled and hollow. 

 Leaves alternate, peltate, stipulate. But the stipulds deciduous, 

 leaving a scar all round the stem. Blade round, palmately lobed. 



Fi<^. 115. — Tlie Castor-Oil j)lant {liicinns connxniiis). 1. Brancli, with male 

 and female flowers. a. Leaves. h. Stamen. c Female flower. d. Longi- 

 tudinal and e. transverse section of fruit. 



the lobes coarsely serrate and acuminate. Petiole with two 

 large glands at the base. 



4. Flowers in terminal panicles, composed of fascicled cymes 

 of unisexual Howers. Usually a leafy branch springing from 



