4 6 



BOTANY FOR BEGINNERS 



CHAP. 



the stipules unite in the leaf-axil they are called axillary^ as in 

 the Pea (Fig. 62). 



Scale Leaves. Scale leaves possess a far simpler structure 

 than foliage leaves. They have no leaf-stalk, and are directly 

 attached to the stem. Their principal function is to protect 

 the young buds, and they are the only leaves found on under- 

 ground stems. A few parasitic plants, such as the Broom Rape 



FIG. 62. Leaf of Pea. Fi, flower- 

 stalk ; SP, stipules ; T, tendrils. 



FIG. 63. Leaf of Rose. L, leaflets ; 

 P, petiole ; sf, stipules. 



which grows on the roots of plants, do not possess any other 

 kinds of leaves. 



Bracteate Leaves. Bracteate leaves resemble scale leaves 

 both in structure and function. They grow at the base of the 

 stem upon which the flowers are produced. When present the 

 plant is said to be bracteate, if they are absent, ebracteate. 

 Bracts may be scaly, leafy, membranous, woody, or coloured. 

 When the bracts are arranged in a circle, as in the Dandelion, 

 they form an involucre. If the bracts form a solid cup, as in the 



