24 



ELEMENTS OF STRUCTURAL BOTANY. 



30. Mallow. The round-leaved Mallow (Fig. 31) 



grows aloug 

 every way side, 

 and is a very 

 common weed 

 ^ i n cultivated 

 grounds. Pro- 

 cure, if possible, 

 a plant which 

 has ripened its 

 seeds, as well as 

 one in flower. 

 The root of this 

 plant is of a 

 different kind 

 from those of the 

 three plants first 

 examined. It 

 consists of a 

 stout tapering 

 part, descending deep into the soil, from the surface of 

 which fibres are given off irregularly. A stout root of 

 this kind is called a tap-root. The Carrot is another 

 example. 



31. The leaves are long-pctioled, net- veined and in- 

 dented on the edges. On each side of the petiole, at 

 its junction with the stem, you will observe a little leaf- 

 like attachment, to which the name stipule is given. 

 The i^resence or absence of stipules is a point of some 

 importance in plant-structure, and you will do well to 

 notice it in your examinations. You have now made 

 yourselves acquainted with all the pai-ts thab any leaf 

 has, viz., blade, petiole and stipules. 



