Leaves on the same plant often differ greatly in form. Observe the
different shapes of leaves on the young growths of mulberries (Fig.
2) and wild grapes; also on vigorous squash and pumpkin vines. In
some cases there may be simple and compound leaves on the same plant.
This is marked in the so-called Boston ivy or ampelopsis (Fig. 109),
a vine that is used to cover brick and stone buildings. Different
degrees of compounding, even in the same leaf, may often be found in
honey locust. Remarkable differences in forms are seen by comparing
seed-leaves with mature leaves of any plant (Fig. 30).
=The Leaf and its Environment.=—The form and shape of the leaf
often have direct relation to the _place in which the leaf grows_.
_Floating leaves are usually expanded and flat_, and the petiole
varies in length with the depth of the water. _Submerged leaves
are usually linear or thread-like_, or are cut into very narrow
divisions: thereby more surface is exposed, and possibly the leaves
are less injured by moving water. Compare the sizes of the leaves on
the ends of branches with those at the base of the branches or in
the interior of the tree top. In dense foliage masses, the petioles
of the lowermost or undermost leaves _tend to elongate_—to push the
leaf to the light.
On the approach of winter the leaf usually ceases to work, and dies.
It may drop, when it is said to be =deciduous=; or it may remain on
the plant, when it is said to be =persistent=. If persistent leaves
remain green during the winter, the plant is said to be =evergreen=.
Give examples in each class. Most leaves fall by breaking off at the
lower end of the petiole with a _distinct joint or articulation_.
There are many leaves, however, that wither and hang on the plant
until torn off by the wind; of such are the leaves of grasses,
sedges, lilies, orchids, and other plants of the monocotyledons. Most
leaves of this character are parallel-veined.
_Leaves also die and fall from lack of light._ Observe the yellow and
weak leaves in a dense tree top or in any thicket. Why do the lower
leaves die on house plants? Note the carpet of needles under the
pines. All evergreens shed their leaves after a time. Counting back
from the tip of a pine or spruce shoot, determine how many years the
leaves persist. In some spruces a few leaves may be found on branches
ten or more years old.
=Arrangement of Leaves.=—Most leaves have a regular _position or
arrangement_ on the stem. _This position or direction is determined
largely by exposure to sunlight._ In temperate climates they usually
hang in such a way that they receive the greatest amount of light.
One leaf shades another to the least possible degree. If the plant
were placed in a new position with reference to light, the leaves
would make an effort to turn their blades.
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