180 



BUDS AND STIPULES 



The stipules are arranged in two ranks, inserted on 

 the stem at right angles to the tendrils. They increase 

 in size as the plant gains in vigour, and become obli- 

 quely triangular-hastate, but continue flat in bud and 

 afterwards. The venation consists of numerous parallel 

 nerves, radiating from the point of insertion on the 

 stem, the midrib being slightly the 

 strongest (fig. 304). 



Succeeding pairs of stipules overlap 

 and protect all the younger members 

 of the terminal and axillary leaf- and 

 flower- buds and tendrils. All lateral 

 buds come in the axils of the tendrils. 

 The stipules, therefore, perform the 

 double function of leaves and the work 

 of protection. 



A very interesting contrast is af- 

 forded by another species of Lathyrus 

 (L. Nissolia), where the leaves are 

 reduced (fig. 307) to a long, linear, 

 grass-like, flattened leaf- stalk, ending 

 in a fine point, and without leaflets. 

 In the mature plant the stipules are 

 almost obsolete, but in the seedling 

 (tig. 306) the first and second leaves are subu- 

 late, acute, and scale-like, with small tooth-like or 

 inconspicuous stipules. The third and all succeeding 

 leaves are simple, entire, linear, slightly decurrent 



Fig. 305. Lathy- 

 rus Aphaca. 

 Seedling. Half 

 nat. size. 



