SHAPE OF LEAVES 



95 



The shape of many leaves is described in combinations 

 of these terms, as ovate -lanceolate, lanceolate -oblong. 



199. The shape of the base 

 and apex of the leaf or leaflet 

 is often characteristic. The 

 base maj' be rounded (Fig. 

 124), tapering (Fig. 127), cor- 

 date or heart-shaped (Fig. 139), 

 truncate or squared as if cut 

 off. The apex may be blunt or 

 133. Decurrem obtuse, acute or sharp, acum- 

 leavesof mui- i na t e or long-pointed, truncate 



lein. . 



(Fig. 111). 



200 The shape of the mar- 

 gin is also characteristic of each kind of leaf. The mar- 

 gin is entire when it is not indented or cut in any way 

 (Fig. 137). When nol entire, it may be undulate or wavy 

 (Fig. 12G), serrate or saw-toothed (Fig. 139), dentate or 

 more coarsely notched (Fig. 

 124), crenate or round - 

 toothed, lobed, etc. 



201. Leaves often differ 

 greatly in form on the same 

 plant. Observe the diflfer- 

 enl shapes of leaves on the 

 young growth- of mulberries 

 and wild grapes ; also on 

 vigorous squash and pumpkin 



vines. In sonic rases there 



may be simple and compound 



leaves on the same plant. 



This is marked in the so-called Boston i\\ or ampelopsis 



(Pig. 142), a vine which is used to cover brick and -tone 



buildings. Differenl degrees of compounding, even in 



the same leaf, may often be found in honey locust and 



184. Two pain of connate Leaves 

 of honej suckle. 



