94 LEAVES AND FOLIAGE 



cal shapes, but there are no two leaves alike and very 

 few which perfectly conform to the definitions. The 

 shapes are likened to those of familiar objects or of geo- 

 metrical figures. Some of the commoner shapes are as 

 follows : 



Linear, several times longer than broad, with the sides 



\nearly or quite parallel. Spruces and most grasses 

 are examples. Fig. 136. In linear leaves, the main 

 veins are usually parallel to the midrib. 



Oblong, twice or thrice as long as broad, with the sides 



\parallel for most of their length. Fig. 137 shows the 

 short-oblong leaves of the box, a plant which is much 

 used for edgings in gardens. 



Elliptic differs from the oblong in having the sides gradu- 



Xally tapering to either end from the middle. The Eu- 

 ropean beech, Fig. 138, has elliptic leaves. (This tree 

 is often planted.) 



Lanceolate, four to six times longer than broad, widest 



\below the middle and tapering to each end. Some of 

 the narrow -leaved willows are examples. Most of 

 the willows and the peach have oblong-lanceolate 

 leaves. 



Spatulate, a narrow leaf which is broadest towards the 



Vapex. The top is usually rounded. It is much like 

 an oblong leaf. 



Ovate, shaped somewhat like the longitudinal section of 

 an egg: twice as long as broad, tapering from near 

 the base to the apex. This is one of the commonest 

 leaf forms. Fig. 139. 



Obovate, ovate inverted, the wide part towards the apex. 

 Leaflets of horse-chestnut are obovate. This form is 

 commonest in leaflets of digitate leaves. 



Reniform, kidney -shaped. This form is sometimes seen in 

 wild plants, particularly in root -leaves. Leaves of 

 wild ginger are nearly reniform. 



Orbicular, circular in general outline. Very few leaves are 

 perfectly circular, but there are many which are nearer 

 circular than any other shape. Fig. 140. 



