Glossary of leaf morphology

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Glossary of Leaf Morphology[edit | edit source]

Glossary of leaf morphology

The study of leaf morphology is essential for understanding the diversity and function of leaves in the plant kingdom. Leaves are the primary sites of photosynthesis in most plants, and their shapes, sizes, and structures are highly variable, reflecting adaptations to different environments and functions. This glossary provides definitions and descriptions of terms commonly used to describe leaf morphology.

Basic Leaf Types[edit | edit source]

Simple Leaves[edit | edit source]

A simple leaf is a single, undivided blade. The margin of the leaf may be entire, lobed, or serrated, but the leaf is not divided into separate leaflets. Examples include the leaves of maple and oak trees.

Compound Leaves[edit | edit source]

Compound leaves are divided into multiple leaflets. Each leaflet is attached to a central rachis, and the entire structure is considered a single leaf. Compound leaves can be further classified into different types based on their arrangement:

  • Pinnate: Leaflets are arranged along either side of the rachis. Examples include rose and ash leaves.
  • Bipinnate: Each leaflet is further divided into smaller leaflets.
    Glossary of leaf morphology
  • Palmate: Leaflets radiate out from a single point at the end of the petiole, resembling the fingers of a hand. Examples include horse chestnut leaves.

Leaf Arrangement[edit | edit source]

Glossary of leaf morphology

Alternate[edit | edit source]

Leaves are arranged singly at different heights along the stem, with each leaf emerging from a different node.

Opposite[edit | edit source]

Leaves are paired at each node, directly across from each other on the stem.

Whorled[edit | edit source]

Three or more leaves are attached at a single node, encircling the stem.

Leaf Margins[edit | edit source]

Entire[edit | edit source]

The leaf margin is smooth and unbroken.

Serrated[edit | edit source]

The leaf margin has small, tooth-like projections.

Lobed[edit | edit source]

The leaf margin has deep indentations, creating lobes.

Leaf Venation[edit | edit source]

Parallel Venation[edit | edit source]

Veins run parallel to each other from the base to the tip of the leaf. This is common in monocots like grasses.

Reticulate Venation[edit | edit source]

Veins form a network across the leaf. This is typical of dicots like maple and oak.

Specialized Leaf Structures[edit | edit source]

Tendrils[edit | edit source]

Modified leaves or leaflets that are used by climbing plants to attach to supports.

Spines[edit | edit source]

Modified leaves that are reduced to sharp structures, often for protection, as seen in cacti.

Bracts[edit | edit source]

Modified leaves associated with reproductive structures, often colorful, as seen in poinsettia.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

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