70 



DESCRIPTIVE BOTANY. 



of performing any of the proper functions of this 

 organ. In these cases, the branches themselves be- 

 come flattened, and assume the appearance of leaves 

 (fig. 66.). In the com- 

 mon butchers'-broom 

 ( RIIXCHS aculeatua), and 

 others of this genus, 

 the flowers are seated 

 in the middle of the 

 upper surface (a) of 

 these flattened branches. 

 In the genus Xylophylla 

 they are placed round 

 the edges of similar or- 

 gans (6). 



(77.) Stipules. 

 At the base of some 

 leaves, and on each side 

 of their axils, there are 

 appendages of a foliaceous character, sometimes resem- 

 bling the leaflets of compound leaves, and sometimes like 

 small membranous scales (fg. 67. a ). These are 





termed " stipules," and are very characteristic of certain 

 groups of plants, but are entirely wanting in others. 

 They are never found on any Monocotyledons, or on 



