LEAVES 11 
are the largest, and the upper leaves gradually diminish 
in size. 
(3) Rosette-habit.—An extreme case of crowding is shown 
by plants with the rosette-habit; that is, those which produce 
Fic. 6.—Rosette-habit shown by mullein (A) and evening-primrose (B). 
a cluster or rosette of leaves at the base of the stem (Figs. 
6and 7). Often this rosette, frequently lying flat upon the 
ground or upon the 
rocks, includes all 
the leaves the plant 
produces. This close 
overlapping of leaves 
is a poor adjustment 
to light at best, but 
there is evident an 
adjustment to se- 
cure the most light 
possible under the 
circumstances. The 
lowest leaves of the 
rosette are the long- 
Fic. 7.—Rosette-habit shown by shepherd's purse. 
est, and the upper ones become gradually shorter, so that 
each leaf has at least a part of its surface exposed to light. 
