238 Explanation of Terms 



(3) The leaf is needle-shaped, or line-shaped, when it is 

 very narrow, or sometimes scarcely more than a line, e. g., 

 Juniper and Yew; lance-shape, when it is much longer 

 than wide, and gradually tapering to a point, e. g., most 

 Willows ; inversely lance-shape, when gradually tapering 

 down instead of up ; egg-shape, when it is of the general 

 shape of an egg, with the broadest part below the middle, 

 but without regard to the form of the base and the apex, 

 Fig. e ; inversely egg-shape, when it is the shape of an 



egg, but with the broadest part above the middle ; oval, 

 with the broadest part at the middle. 



(4) The leaf at its apex may be pointed, taper -pointed, 

 bristle-pointed (when it terminates in a bristle), Fig. d, 

 blunt or rounded. 



(5) The leaf at its base may be squared, rounded, 

 pointed, wedge-shape (when it tapers to a point by straight 

 lines), or heart-shape, Fig. f. 



(6) The leaves as arranged upon the branch may be 

 alternate, when they follow one another upon different 



