xxvi EXPLANATION OF BOTANICAL TERMS 



Simple: one which is not divided into leaflets. 

 Compound : one which is divided into leaflets. 

 Alternate: when one leaf grows just above the other on another side 



of the stem. 

 Opposite: when two appear at each joint, having the semicircle of the 



stem between them. 

 Whorled : when they grow in a circle round the stem. 

 Cordate: heart-shaped. 

 Obcordate: inversely heart-shaped. 

 Linear : very narrow, like grass. 

 Lanceolate : narrow, tapering towards the top. 

 Oblanceolate : inversely lanceolate. 

 Ovate: egg-shaped, broader at the bottom. 

 Obovate : egg-shaped, broader at the top. 

 Elliptical: oblong, narrowed at the top and bottom. 

 Oval : broadly elliptical. 



Spatulate : rounded at the top and narrow at the base. 

 Orbicular : round. 



Reniform : nearly round, with a deep indentation at the stalk. 

 Auriculate : having two rounded lobes at the base. 

 Sagittate: having two pointed lobes at the base. 

 Undulate : with wavy margins. 

 Crenate : with rounded teeth on margins. 

 Serrate: with sharp teeth on margins. 

 Incised : with deep jagged teeth. 

 Lobed : with divisions cut to about the middle. 

 Cleft : with divisions cut more than halfway into the leaf. 

 Divided : cleft to the midrib. 

 Pubescent : covered with fine hairs. 

 Glabrous : without any hairs, smooth. 

 Glaucous : covered with a bloom, as on the plum. 

 Mucronate : with a short sharp tip. 



THE FLOWER 



Calyx : the outer lower set of leaves at the base of the flower. Usually 



green, but sometimes bright coloured. 

 Sepals : the leaves of the calyx when it is divided to the base. 

 Corolla: the inner set of leaves of the flower. 

 Petals : the leaves of the corolla when it is divided to the base. 



