LEAVES— FORM AND POSITION 



79 



Elliptic differs from the oblong in having the sides gradu- 

 ally tapering to either end from the middle. The 



^k European beech (Fig. 104) has elliptic 

 ^1^ leaves. (This tree is often planted in 

 this country.) 



Lanceolate, four to six times longer than 

 broad, widest below the middle, and 



\ tapering to either end. Some of the 

 narrow-leaved willows are examples. 

 Most of the willows and the peach 

 have oblong-lanceolate leaves. 

 Spatulate, a narrow leaf that is broadest 



\ toward the apex. The top is usually 

 rounded. 



Fig, \ 104. 

 Elliptic Leaf 

 OF Purple 

 Beech, 



Fig, log. — Ovate 

 Serrate Leaf of 

 Hibiscus. 



Fig. 106, — Leaf of Apple, showing blade, petiole, 

 and small narrow stipules. 



Ovate, shaped somewhat like the longitudinal section of an 

 ^ egg : about twice as long as broad, tapering from near 

 ^ the base to the apex. This is one of the commonest 

 ^ leaf forms (Figs. 105, 106). 



