STEMS 95 



is attached, that is, in the axil of the leaf. While 

 this is generally the case, yet many species give off 

 branches just below the leaf. Wherever a branch is 

 seen on a stem, one may be certain that it arose 

 originally just above or below a leaf. The leaf has 

 fallen off, and the branch has continued to grow and 

 enlarge until all trace of the leaf is lost. 



123. Leaf traces. — When the leaf falls from 

 the stem its petiole is cut off cleanly by means of 

 the separatory layer described in a previous para- 

 graph. The scar is noticeable for some time, and 

 may be seen very plainly on the twigs of the maple, 

 oak, or chestnut, or on the vine of the grape. 



124. Relation of leaves and floivers. — Flower 

 stalks are also seen to arise from the axils of leaves. 

 A single flower on its own stalk may arise from the 

 axil of the leaf without changing the character or 

 the size of the latter in any way. When a branch 

 bears a great number of flowers closely crowded 

 together, like the lobelia, the mints, mullein, and 

 larkspur, the leaves at the basis of the numerous 

 flower stalks are much smaller than those on other 

 parts of the stem, and are scarcely more than little 

 wedges of green tissue which are termed bracts. 



