ARMATUHE. 



seven, and are known by the following names, viz : Stipule 

 Bract, Thorn, Prickle, Tendril, Gland, and Hair. 



Stipula, (Stipules,) Fig. 87, are leafy 

 appendages to the proper leaves, or their 

 foot stalks. They are commonly smaller 

 than the principal leaves, and are situated 

 at their bases in pairs. In some plants 

 these parts soon fall off, but in others 

 they continue as long as the leaves them- 

 selves. Examples are seen in the Rose, 

 Pea, Wild Cherry, and Garden Violet. 

 In the latter plant, they are as large as 

 the proper leaves, and are readily distin- 

 guished by their lyrate-pinnatifid shape, while the leaves are 

 oblong and serrate. The shape of this part is very different 

 in different plants. 



Fig. 88. 



In the grasses it is situated within the leaf, and is 

 of the shape represented by d, Fig. 88. Its situ- 

 ation is generally peculiar to each species where 

 it exists. In a great proportion of plants it is 

 wanting entirely. 



Bracts, (floral leaves,) Fig. 89. This is 

 a leafy appendage to the flower, or its foot- 

 stalk, and is of a variety of forms and 

 colors. It is not situated like the stipule 

 at the bases of the leaves, but on the pe- 

 duncle of the flower. It is much smaller 

 than the true leaf, and is at a distance 

 from it. In some plants it falls off with 

 the leaf, while in others it remains after 

 the leaf and flower have fallen. In the Lime Tree, or Bass- 

 wood, (Tilia Europea,) it remains during the whole winter. 

 In one species of Sage, (Salvia sclara,} it is sometimes 

 difficult to distinguish this part from the true leaves. In the 

 Painted cup, (Euchroma Coccinea,) it forms the only beautiful 

 part of the flower. 



What are the stipules of plants ? Are the stipules found in similar 

 situations on all plants ? W T hat are the bracts ? Where are the bracts 

 situated ? 



