LEAVES 
stem. If they do so in a line, i.e., in the same plane, they are 
leaflets, and the stem from which they spring is the stem (rachis) 
of a compound leaf. 
The axil of a leaf (or of a branch) is the point where it 
leaves the branch or stem, important because it is a common 
location for blossoms. 
A leaf (or a leaflet) may be known, among other character- 
istics, by its shape, by its edge, and by its surface. 
The Shape of the Leaf 
The base of a leaf may be rounded, heart-shaped, arrow- 
shaped, or otherwise; its apex may be acutely or obtusely 
pointed, or otherwise. Such terms explain themselves, but the 
following explanations may aid in determining the general 
shape. 
A lance-shaped (lanceolate) leaf has a long point and is 
broader toward the base than toward the apex (Fig. ii); the 
term egg-shaped (ovate) explains itself, excepting it should be 
noted that an ovate leaf is attached at the large end, and that 
its apex may be rounded, or may be pointed as in Fig. 12; a 
heart-shaped (cordate) leaf has its indentation at the base, its 
apex may be rounded, or it may be pointed as in Fig. 13. In- 
versely lance-shaped, egg-shaped, or heart-shaped means that 
the leaf is attached by its narrower end. An oblong leaf is 
longer than broad, and has more or less parallel sides (Fig. 14) ; 
a spoon-shaped (spatulate) leaf has a rounded end, and narrows 
toward its base (Fig. 15). A linear leaf is one with length but 
practically no breadth. A dissected leaf is cut up into small 
parts; a finely dissected leaf, into extremely small parts (Fig. 
16). A leaf is lobed when its edge has projections larger than 
teeth (Fig. 17). A lyrate leaf is a leaf pinnately divided with 
a large lobe at the end (Fig. 18); the term kidney-shaped (Fig. 
17) explains itself. The same terms are used, when applicable, 
to describe the shape of other parts, as petals or sepals. 
The edge of the leaf may be smooth (entire), toothed (den- 
tate), saw-toothed (serrate), round-toothed (crenate), wavy, 
