THE SPINDLE TREE. 



THE LEAF. 



The new shoots are smooth and of a paler green than the 

 mature wood. The branches are arranged in opposite pairs ; each 

 pair at right angles to the one above it. In 

 springtime a pair of undeveloped leaves grow up- 

 right at the tip of each new shoot ; these are 

 needle-shaped and show the under side only, since 

 the two edges are rolled towards a central rib 

 which runs from tip to base. An older pair ot 

 leaves partly untolded, forms a protection tor this 

 terminal pair.. Below these grow other leaf-pairs, 

 which have liattened out and stand away from the twig. 

 The leaves which are at first of a brilliant trans- 

 parent green, later on become darker and their oval 

 form more rounded. The surface of the leaf-blade is smooth, but 

 not glossy, and has an under-side which is paler than the upper, 

 and a toothed edge. It somewhat resembles the leaf of the privet, 

 but is larger, more pointed and less opaque. In autumn it turns 

 deep crimson. 



THE FLOWER AND SEED. 



Near the base of the new shoot the place of the last pair of 

 leaves is supplied by a pair of modified leat-like appendages, otten to 



be distinguished by the patch of scarlet at 

 their tips. From the axils of these, and of 

 the leat-pair immediately above them (and 

 not from the apex of the shoot) grows the main tlower-stalk in an 

 upward direction. This main stalk gives off other and smaller flower- 



9^ ^ 



