182 



THE LEAF 



When such a leaf has its midrib laterally curved, it is styled Falcate 

 or sword-shaped (Fig. 504). 



Modifications of this as regards the comparative length and breadth 

 of the leaf are Sickle-shaped and Scimeter-shaped. 



Forms of the Apex. — A large number of terms are employed to indicate 

 especially the form of the apex of the leaf. 



SIS. 



Forms of apex: Fig. 506. Obcordate (Oxa^i's). 507. Notched (Lin'odenrfron) . 508. Abruptly acumi- 

 nate and acute {Ailanihus). 509. Emarginate (Pilocarpus). 510. Acute (Lonicera). 511. Abruptly 

 pointed (Ulmus). 512. Retuse. 513. Abruptly acuminate and obtuse (Fraxinus). 514. Tapering 

 {Panicum). 515. Blunt {Plantago). 



Beginning with one which is inversely cordate — that is, 'wdth the 

 sinus at the Apex — we have the Obcordate form (Fig. 506). When the 

 sinus is smaller, it is called Fmarginale. (Fig. 509), and when very slight, 

 Retuse (Fig. 512). If the sinus be an angular one Avith straight sides, 

 it is called Notched (Fig. 507). If the apex be abruptly terminated, 

 as though cut across in a straight line, it is called Truncate. If any 

 portion of the apex of the leaf be narrowed into a point, the leaf is 

 called Pointed (Fig. 511, etc). If such narrowing be gradual, so that the 

 point is considerably longer than broad, it is called Acuminate. If the 



