THE LEAF 87 
branchlike leaves serve the purposes of roots, both in anchoring 
the plant and in absorbing water. 
There are other forms of carnivorous plants, but those already 
mentioned will give some idea of the diversity of leaf structures 
used in capturing small animals. 
Some carnivorous plants have properties which are usually 
regarded as characteristic of animals. The case of Déonaea is 

Fie. 80. Branch of poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). (x 4) 
particularly striking. This plant is able to respond to stimuli 
by movement, to excrete a digestive fluid and to digest animals, 
and then to absorb the products of digestion. Such cases serve to 
emphasize the fundamental similarity between animals and plants. 
Attraction of insects (floral function). The principal function 
of white or brightly colored petals is to attract insects or other 
animals which pollinate the flowers. As we shall see later, the 
petals are modified leaves. Aside from petals there are other 
types of leaves which serve to attract insects. In some cases the 
flowers are small, and the function of attracting insects is per- 
formed by large white or brightly colored leaves. These leaves 
