WAYSIDE WEEDS. 77 



hundreds and thousands, and in every variety of 

 form and arrangement. Now this primary or main 

 flower- stem goes by the general name of pedimcle, 

 and when, as often occurs, other little stems are 



Fis. sa.— Flower-spikes and Leaves of common Plantain. The peduncle 

 springing from the root-crown is called a scape. It miglit also be called a 

 rachis, because of its running straight to the extremity of the inflorescence. 



given off from it, they are known by the diminutive 

 of pedicels, or little stems. When the peduncle 

 springs direct from the root-crown, or root-leaves; 

 and, unbranched, bears a single blossom, it is called 



