Leaf

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Leaf

A leaf is an organ of a vascular plant and is the principal lateral appendage of the stem.[1] The leaves and stem together form the shoot.[2] Leaves are collectively referred to as foliage, as in "autumn foliage".[3]

Structure[edit | edit source]

A typical leaf or phyllode has a broad expanded blade (also called the lamina), which is attached to the plant stem by a petiole.[4]

Function[edit | edit source]

Leaves are the site where most photosynthesis takes place in plants.[5]

Types of leaves[edit | edit source]

There are many different types of leaves. They can be classified in many different ways, including by their shape, their edge, their pattern of venation, and by their arrangement on the stem.[6]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Foliage". Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Retrieved 2018-04-18.

External links[edit | edit source]

Leaf Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD