KINDS AND FORMS OF LEAVES. 
47 
Oval ; broader than oblong, and with a flowing outline, as in Fig. 90. 
Ovate ; oval, but broader towards the lower end ; of the shape of a hen’s egg cut 
through lengthwise, as in Fig. 91. 
Orbicular or Round ; circular or nearly circular in outline, as in Fig. 93. 
133. Some leaves taper downwards more than upwards. Of these the common- 
est forms are the 
Oblanceolate , or Inversely lance-shaped ; that is, shaped like a lance with the 
point downwards, as in Fig. 94. 
Spatulate ; roundish above, and tapering 
into a long and narrow base, like the old 
form of the apothecary’s spatula, Fig. 95. 
Obovate , or Inversely ovate ; that is, ovate 
with the narrow end at the bottom of the 
leaf, as in Fig. 96. 
Cuneate or Wedge-shaped ; like the last, 
but with the sides narrowing straight down 
to the lower end, in the shape of a wedge, as in Fig. 97. 
134. Of course these shapes all run into one another by imperceptible degrees in, 
different cases. The botanist merely gives names to the principal grades. Inter- 
mediate shapes are described by combining the names of the two shapes the leaf 
in question most resembles. For example : — 
Lance-linear , or linear-lanceolate , means between linear and lance-shaped. 
Lance-oblong , or oblong -lanceolate, means between oblong and lanceolate in shape. 
Ovate-lanceolate , between ovate and lance-shaped ; and so on. 
135. Or else a qualifying word may be used, as somewhat ovate, slightly heart- 
shaped, and the like. Thus, Fig. 92 is ovate in general form, but with the base a, 
little notched, i. e. somewhat heart-shaped. It is one of the kinds which depend upon 
94 95 96 97 
