4-38 DIFFERENT KINDS OF FULCRA. 



CHAP. VIII. 



OF THE FULCRA OF PLANTS. 



FULCRUM, a prop, is a term used to express those small 

 parts of plants, of which the chief use is to strengthen and sup- 

 port them. 



Fulcra are of seven kinds, viz. Stipula,...Bractea ; ... Spina,... 

 Aculeus,...Cirrhus,...Glandula,... and Pilus; all which we 

 shall explain in their order. 



1. Stipula, is a scale or small leaf, stationed on each side the 

 base of the petioles or peduncles, when they are first appearing, 

 as in papilionaceous flowers; and also in Tamarindus,... Cassia,... 

 Rosa,...Melianthus,... Liriodendron,...Armeniaca,... Persic a 

 ...Padus, and others. 



2. Bractea, a Jloral leaf, is so called, when it differs in shape 

 and colour from the rest, as in Tilia,...Fumaria Bulbosa,... 

 ST<ECHAs,...and Horminum. 



3. Spina, a thorn; is a kind of sharp weapon or armature, pro- 

 truded from the wood of the plant, as in Prunus,...Rhamnus,... 

 HiPPOPHAE,...CELASTRus,...and Lycium: it will often disappear 

 by culture, as in Pyrus. 



4. Aculeus, a prickle, is the same sort of armature, proceed- 

 ing from the cortex of the plant only, as in Rosa,...Rubus,... 

 RiBEs,.,.and Berberis. 



5. Cirrhus, a clasper or tendril, is a filiform spiral band, by 

 which a plant fastens itself to any other body, as in Vitis,...Ban- 

 nisteri a, . . .Cardiospermum, . . .Pisum,. . , and Bignonia. 



