LEAVES— FORM AND POSITION 



79 



Elliptic differs from the oblong in having the sides gradu- 

 ally tapering to either end from the middle. The 



^k European beech (Fig. 104) has elliptic 



^^ leaves. (This tree is often planted in 

 this country.) 



Lanceolate, four to six times longer than 

 broad, widest below the middle, and 



\ tapering to either end. Some of the 

 narrow-leaved willows are examples. 

 Most of the willows and the peach 

 have oblong-lanceolate leaves. 

 Spatulate, a narrow leaf that is broadest 

 toward the apex. The top is usually 



Fig. \ 104. — 



Elliptic Leaf 



OF Purple 



Beech. 



Fig. 105. — Ovate 

 Serrate Leaf of 

 Hibiscus. 



Fig. 106. — Leaf of Apple, showing blade, 

 petiole, and small narrow stipules. 



Ovate, shaped somewhat like the longitudinal .section of an 

 ^ egg: about twice as long as broad, tapering from near 

 ^k the base to the apex. This is one of the commonest 

 ^^ leaf forms (Figs. 105, 106). 



