126 THE OPEN BOOK OF NATURE 
Spathulate (spatula=diminutive of spatha, a 
broad blade).—Spoonlike. Oblong, with a long 
haft. Example: Daisy. 
For some diagrams of forms of leaves and their 
margins and apices, see Figs. 44 and 45. 
STrpuLEs.—If you examine the leaves of the Rose, 
you will see two leaf-like growths at the base of 
the petiole, or leaf-stalk, just where it joins the 
stem. These growths are called stipules (stepula = 
a stalk). Stipules occur on many plants, and the 
leaves which bear them are described as stipu- 
late. 
Bracts.—These are small leaves, differing from 
the other leaves of a plant. They are generally 
situated beneath the flower. They are occasionally 
scalelike, as on the stalks of the Coltsfoot. In 
compound flowers, such as the Daisy, the bracts 
are numerous at the base of the flower-heads, and 
form a kind of cup. Bracts in such a form compose 
an involucre (involvo=to wrap up). The bracts of 
the involucre are wrapped about the flowers before 
they expand. 
Frowrrs.—Flowers are the most important parts 
of plants, for by their agency seeds are formed, and 
future generations made possible. They are very 
wonderful in structure. You must get to know 
all the parts of a flower and understand their uses. 
Pluck a few buttercups, and examine them care- 
fully. Each flower consists of the following 
parts : 
1. Calyx (Greek, kalux; kalupto=to cover).— 
This consists of fine, small, green leaves, called sepals, 
which cover the flower in its bud stage. 
