340 



THE CROWFOOT FAMILY 



all these cases the branching of the blade follows the palmate 

 plan the leaves are conveniently described as palmately 

 divided, or ■palmately once-, twice-, or decompound. The leaves 

 of the Christmas rose and some other members of the family 

 are peculiar in having the lateral divisions not quite sepa- 

 rated, thus making them in a way intermediate between 



Fi(i. 294. — Bracts and petals of peony connected by intermediate forms. 

 Parts marked G are green; Y, yellow; and R, red. (Original.) 



I'u;. 20.J. — Stamens and staniinodes of peony showinii intermei.liate forms. 

 Parts marke(.l R are red; and those marked Y are yellow. (Original.) 



simjjle and compound palmate leaves. Such leaves are dis- 

 tinguished as pcdiite.^ 



The palmate type of leaf prevails throughout the crowfoot 

 family, the only departures from the rule being a few such 

 cases as the narrow leaves of mouse-tail in which th(> frame- 

 work is unbranched or obscure, and a few cases in which 

 a midril) or continuation of the petiole gi\-es off lateral 

 l)ranches ns in the leaves of the pas(|uc-flower anrl clematis 

 ' Pell' all'. <C Ij. iHildhif!, having a fdot. 



