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THE BOOK OF NATURE STUDY 



broad, oval leaf -blade. The course of the veins in the leaf- 

 blade is clearly seen on looking at the lower surface. Three to 

 seven main veins enter from the leaf-stalk and run almost parallel. 

 Those near the middle of the leaf reach nearly to the tip, while 



FIG. 93. Greater Plantain. 2, Plant bearing inflorescences cut in 

 half ; 5, single flower. (After Schumann.) 



the lateral ones die out before this is reached. Between the 

 main veins is a network of fine branches. 



Since vegetative branches are not produced even old plants 

 show an unbranched stem. The axillary buds mostly develop 

 into inflorescences, the existence of which is limited since they 



