176 



BUDS AND STIPULES 



Now, if we open the bud of L. maritimus (fig. 297), 

 we find that the young leaves and stipules occupy most of 

 the space between the outer stipules, which cover and 

 protect both the leaves and stipules of all the younger 

 ones, as well as the inflorescences and their own leaf in 

 its earlier stages. They are sessile, cordate, unequally 



r 



Fig. 298. Stipule of Lathyrus 



GRANDIFLORUS. 



Fig. 299. Stipule of Lathyrus 

 pratensis. 



One-and-a-half nat. size. 



sagittate, and glabrous like the rest of the plant, with 

 numerous strong nerves radiating from the point of 

 their insertion on the axis. The smaller auricle is 

 generally ovate or triangular and entire ; the larger one 

 has three or four cusps or teeth. The stipules form a 

 very efficient protection to the leaves till they attain 

 a considerable size. 



