Outline of Leaves 



79 



If, as in the Grasses (fig. 109), the two margins of the 

 lamina are nearly parallel and the lamina itself is narrow, the 

 leaf is linear. 



If the leaf be sharp pointed and needle-like, as in many 

 Conifers (fig. 120), it is acerose. When the leaf is somewhat 

 broad in the centre, and tapers towards the two extremities, as 

 in the Privet, it is lanceolate (fig. 121). If more rounded at 

 the extremities and broader in the centre, it is oval, or elliptical 

 (fig. loi), and oblong when rather long. When, as in the 

 Guelder Rose (fig. no), the leaf is broad and rounded at the 

 base, tapering to a point at the apex, it is ovate or egg-shaped ; 

 and if the reverse, obovate, or inversely egg-shaped. 



Fig. 122,- Orbicular leaf of Malva. rotundi- 

 folia.. 



Fig. 123.— Cordate leaf of 

 Lamiuin. 



AVhen the leaf is nearly round (fig. 122) it is orbicular or 

 subrotund. When, as in the case of the Lamium (fig. 123), 

 the leaf is somewhat hollowed out at the base, and pointed at 

 the apex, so as to be roughly like a heart in a pack of playing 

 cards, it is cordate or heart-shaped, and when the reverse (fig. 

 118), obcordate. 



If the apex is rounded, instead of pointed, whilst the base 

 is hollowed, as in the Ground Ivy (fig. 124), the outline is 

 reniform or kidney- shaped. 



When the apex is rounded, and the leaf gradually tapers to 

 the base (fig. 125), it is spathulate or spoon-shaped ; or if it is 

 more tapering, as in the leaflets of the Horse-chestnut (fig. 126), 

 the outline is said to be cuneate or wedge-shaped. 



