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{{Short description|none}} {{Short description|none}}
] ]
The following terms are used to describe ] ] in the description and ] of plants. Leaves may be simple (a single leaf blade or lamina) or compound (with several ]). The edge of the leaf may be regular or irregular, may be smooth or bearing hair, bristles or spines. For more terms describing other aspects of leaves besides their overall morphology see the ] article. The following terms are used to describe ] ] in the description and ] of plants. Leaves may be simple (that is, the leaf blade or 'lamina' is undivided) or compound (that is, the leaf blade is divided into two or more ]).<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |title=The Ultimate Visual Family Dictionary |publisher=] |year=2012 |isbn=978-0-1434-1954-9 |location=New Delhi |pages=136-137 |language=en}}</ref> The edge of the leaf may be regular or irregular, and may be smooth or have hair, bristles, or spines. For more terms describing other aspects of leaves besides their overall morphology see the ] article.


The terms listed here all are supported by technical and professional usage, but they cannot be represented as mandatory or undebatable; readers must use their judgement. Authors often use terms arbitrarily, or coin them to taste, possibly in ignorance of established terms, and it is not always clear whether because of ignorance, or personal preference, or because usages change with time or context, or because of variation between specimens, even specimens from the same plant. For example, whether to call leaves on the same tree "acuminate", "lanceolate", or "linear" could depend on individual judgement, or which part of the tree one collected them from. The same cautions might apply to "caudate", "cuspidate", and "mucronate", or to "crenate", "dentate", and "serrate." The terms listed here all are supported by technical and professional usage, but they cannot be represented as mandatory or undebatable; readers must use their judgement. Authors often use terms arbitrarily, or coin them to taste, possibly in ignorance of established terms, and it is not always clear whether because of ignorance, or personal preference, or because usages change with time or context, or because of variation between specimens, even specimens from the same plant.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}} For example, whether to call leaves on the same tree "acuminate", "lanceolate", or "linear" could depend on individual judgement, or which part of the tree one collected them from. The same cautions might apply to "caudate", "cuspidate", and "mucronate", or to "crenate", "dentate", and "serrate".


Another problem is to establish definitions that meet all cases or satisfy all authorities and readers. For example, it seems altogether reasonable to define a mucro as "a small sharp point as a continuation of the midrib", but it may not be clear how small is small enough, how sharp is sharp enough, how hard the point must be, and what to call the point when one cannot tell whether the leaf has a midrib at all. Various authors or field workers might come to incompatible conclusions, or might try to compromise by qualifying terms so vaguely that a description of a particular plant practically loses its value. Another problem is to establish definitions that meet all cases or satisfy all authorities and readers. For example, it seems altogether reasonable to define a mucro as "a small sharp point as a continuation of the midrib", but it may not be clear how small is small enough, how sharp is sharp enough, how hard the point must be, and what to call the point when one cannot tell whether the leaf has a midrib at all. Various authors or field workers might come to incompatible conclusions, or might try to compromise by qualifying terms so vaguely that a description of a particular plant practically loses its value.
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==Leaf structure== ==Leaf structure==
Leaves of most plants include a flat structure called the blade or lamina, but not all leaves are flat, some are cylindrical. Leaves may be simple, with a single leaf blade, or compound, with several ]. In ]s, as well as the blade of the leaf, there may be a ] and ]s; compound leaves may have a ] supporting the leaflets. Leaf structure is described by several terms that include:{{cn|date=September 2022}} Leaves of most plants include a flat structure called the blade or lamina supported by a network of veins, a petiole and a leaf base;<ref name=":0" /> but not all leaves are flat, some are cylindrical.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}} Leaves may be simple, with a single leaf blade, or compound, with several ]. Compound leaves may be pinnate with pinnae (leaflets) on both sides of a rachis (axis), or may be palmate with multiple leaflets arising from a single point.<ref name=":0" /> Leaf structure is described by several terms that include:
]] but no ] (or rachillae)]] ]] but no ] (or rachillae)]]
{| class="wikitable sortable centre" {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="margin:auto; width:80%
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Image ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Image
! scope="col" | Term ! scope="col" | Term
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! scope="col" | Description ! scope="col" | Description
|- |-
| rowspan="3" | ] || ] || rowspan="3" | || rowspan="3" | Having two leaflets<ref>{{Cite book |title=Vascular Plant Systematics |last1=Radford | first1 = A.E. | first2 = W.C. | last2 = Dickison | first3 = J.R. | last3 = Massey | first4 = C.R. |last4 = Bell |year=1976 |publisher=Harper and Row, New York |chapter=Phytography - Morphological Evidence |chapter-url=http://www.ibiblio.org/botnet/glossary/}}</ref> | rowspan="3" | ] || ] || rowspan="3" | || rowspan="3" | Having two leaflets<ref>{{Cite book |title=Vascular Plant Systematics |last1=Radford | first1 = A.E. | first2 = W.C. | last2 = Dickison | first3 = J.R. | last3 = Massey | first4 = C.R. |last4 = Bell |year=1976 |publisher=Harper and Row, New York |chapter=Phytography - Morphological Evidence |chapter-url=http://www.ibiblio.org/botnet/glossary/}}</ref>
|- |-
| {{vanchor|geminate}} | {{vanchor|geminate}}
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| {{vanchor|jugate}} | {{vanchor|jugate}}
|- |-
| ] || ] || || Having two leaflets, each leaflet being bifoliolate | ] || ] || || Having two leaflets, each leaflet being bifoliolate
|- |-


| ] || ] || {{lang|la|bipinnatus}} || The leaflets are themselves ]-compound; twice pinnate | ] || ] || {{lang|la|bipinnatus}} || The leaflets are themselves ]-compound; twice pinnate<ref name=":0" /> see ] and ]
|- |-
| ] || ] || || With three components, each with three leaflets | ] || ] || || With three components, each with three leaflets<ref name=":0" />
|- |-
| rowspan="2" | ] || ] || || rowspan="2" | With an ] of leaflets, pinnate with a terminal leaflet (the opposite of ]) | rowspan="2" | ] || ] || || rowspan="2" | With an ] of leaflets, pinnate with a terminal leaflet (the opposite of ])<ref name=":0" />
|- |-
| {{vanchor|odd-pinnate}} || | {{vanchor|odd-pinnate}} ||
|- |-
| rowspan="2" | ] || ] || || rowspan="2" | Pinnate with an ] of leaflets, lacking a terminal leaflet (the opposite of ]) | rowspan="2" | ] || ] || || rowspan="2" | Pinnate with an ] of leaflets, lacking a terminal leaflet (the opposite of ])<ref name=":0" />
|- |-
| even-pinnate || | even-pinnate ||
|- |-
| ] || ] ||''palmatus''|| Consisting of leaflets all radiating from one point | ] || ] ||''palmatus''|| Consisting of leaflets all radiating from one point
|- |-
⚫ |]||{{anchor|simple}} ]|| || Leaf blade in one continuous section, without leaflets (not compound)<ref name=":0" />

| || {{anchor|pinnate}} ] compound ||''pinnatus''
| Having two rows of leaflets on opposite sides of a central axis, see ] and ]
|-
⚫ |] ||{{anchor|simple}} ] || || Leaf blade in one continuous section, without leaflets (not compound)
|- |-
| rowspan="3" | ] || ] || {{lang|la|ternatus}} || rowspan="3" | With three leaflets | rowspan="3" | ]|| ]|| {{lang|la|ternatus}} || rowspan="3" | With three leaflets<ref name=":0" />
|- |-
| ] | ]
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| {{lang|la|trifoliolatus}} | {{lang|la|trifoliolatus}}
|- |-
| ] || ] || {{lang|la|tripinnatus}} || Pinnately compound in which each leaflet is itself bipinnate | ] || ] || {{lang|la|tripinnatus}} || Pinnately compound in which each leaflet is itself bipinnate<ref name=":0" />
|} |}


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] or cilantro)]] ] or cilantro)]]
] revealing palmate ] in simple leaves of '']'']] ] revealing palmate ] in simple leaves of '']'']]
{| class="wikitable sortable centre" {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="margin:auto; width:80%
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Image ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Image
! scope="col" | Term ! scope="col" | Term
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! scope="col" | Description ! scope="col" | Description
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|acicular}} || {{lang|la|acicularis}} || whole leaf || Slender and pointed, needle-like | ] || {{vanchor|acicular}} || {{lang|la|acicularis}} || whole leaf || Slender and pointed, needle-like
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|acuminate}} || {{lang|la|acuminatus}} || leaf tip || Tapering to a long point in a concave manner | ] || {{vanchor|acuminate}} || {{lang|la|acuminatus}} || leaf tip || Tapering to a long point in a concave manner
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|acute}} || || leaf tip or base || Pointed, having a short sharp apex angled less than 90° | ] || {{vanchor|acute}} || || leaf tip or base || Pointed, having a short sharp apex angled less than 90°
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|apiculate}} || {{Lang|la|apiculatus}} || leaf tip || Tapering and ending in a short, slender point | ] || {{vanchor|apiculate}} || {{Lang|la|apiculatus}} || leaf tip || Tapering and ending in a short, slender point
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|aristate}} || {{lang|la|aristatus}} || leaf tip || Ending in a stiff, bristle-like point | ] || {{vanchor|aristate}} || {{lang|la|aristatus}} || leaf tip || Ending in a stiff, bristle-like point
|- |-
| || {{vanchor|asymmetrical}} || || whole leaf || With the blade shape different on each side of the midrib | || {{vanchor|asymmetrical}} || || whole leaf || With the blade shape different on each side of the midrib
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|attenuate}} || {{lang|la|attenuatus}} | ] || {{vanchor|attenuate}} || {{lang|la|attenuatus}}
| leaf base || Having leaf tissue taper down the petiole to a narrow base and always having some leaf material on each side of the petiole | leaf base || Having leaf tissue taper down the petiole to a narrow base and always having some leaf material on each side of the petiole
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|auriculate}} || {{lang|la|auriculatus}} | ] || {{vanchor|auriculate}} || {{lang|la|auriculatus}}
| leaf base || Having ear-shaped appendages reaching beyond the attachment to the petiole or stem (in case of a seated leaf) | leaf base || Having ear-shaped appendages reaching beyond the attachment to the petiole or stem (in case of a seated leaf)
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|caudate}} || {{lang|la|caudatus}} || leaf tip || Tailed at the apex | ] || {{vanchor|caudate}} || {{lang|la|caudatus}} || leaf tip || Tailed at the apex
|- |-
| || {{vanchor|cirrus}}, {{vanchor|cirrate}} || || leaf tip || Having a ] that extends beyond the leaf blade or leaflets into a long whip-like extension or cirrus (common in climbing palms); antonym: '']'' | || {{vanchor|cirrus}}, {{vanchor|cirrate}} || || leaf tip || Having a ] that extends beyond the leaf blade or leaflets into a long whip-like extension or cirrus (common in climbing palms); antonym: '']''
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|cordate}}, {{vanchor|cordiform}} || {{lang|la|cordatus}} || whole leaf or base|| ]-shaped, with the petiole or stem attached to the notch | ] || {{vanchor|cordate}}, {{vanchor|cordiform}} || {{lang|la|cordatus}} || whole leaf or base|| ]-shaped, with the petiole or stem attached to the notch
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|cuneate}} || {{lang|la|cuneatus}} || leaf base || Triangular, wedge-shaped, stem attaches to point | ] || {{vanchor|cuneate}} || {{lang|la|cuneatus}} || leaf base || Triangular, wedge-shaped, stem attaches to point
|- |-
| || {{vanchor|cuneiform}} || || whole leaf || Narrowly triangular, widest on the opposite end from the stem, with the corners at that end rounded | || {{vanchor|cuneiform}} || || whole leaf || Narrowly triangular, widest on the opposite end from the stem, with the corners at that end rounded
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|cuspidate}} || {{lang|la|cuspidatus}} || leaf tip || With a sharp, elongated, rigid tip; tipped with a cusp | ] || {{vanchor|cuspidate}} || {{lang|la|cuspidatus}} || leaf tip || With a sharp, elongated, rigid tip; tipped with a cusp
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|deltoid}}, {{vanchor|deltate}} || {{lang|la|deltoideus}} || whole leaf || Shaped like the Greek letter '']''; triangular with stem attached to side | ] || {{vanchor|deltoid}}, {{vanchor|deltate}} || {{lang|la|deltoideus}} || whole leaf || Shaped like the Greek letter '']''; triangular with stem attached to side
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|digitate}} || {{lang|la|digitatus}} || whole leaf || A palmately compound leaf with leaflets, similar to ]<ref>Index of Garden Plants, Mark Griffiths, Timber Press, 1992</ref> | ] || {{vanchor|digitate}} || {{lang|la|digitatus}} || whole leaf || A palmately compound leaf with leaflets, similar to ]<ref>Index of Garden Plants, Mark Griffiths, Timber Press, 1992</ref>
|- |-
| || {{vanchor|ecirrate}} || || leaf tip || Without a ]; antonym: '']'' | || {{vanchor|ecirrate}} || || leaf tip || Without a ]; antonym: '']''
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|elliptic}} || {{lang|la|ellipticus}} || whole leaf || Shaped like an ] (widest at mid-blade and with similar convex tapering towards apex and base), with a short or no point | ] || {{vanchor|elliptic}} || {{lang|la|ellipticus}} || whole leaf || Shaped like an ] (widest at mid-blade and with similar convex tapering towards apex and base), with a short or no point
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|emarginate}} || {{lang|la|emarginatus}} | ] || {{vanchor|emarginate}} || {{lang|la|emarginatus}}
| leaf tip || Slightly indented at the tip | leaf tip || Slightly indented at the tip
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|ensiform}} || {{lang|la|ensiformis}} || whole leaf || Shaped like a sword; long and narrow with a sharp pointed tip | ] || {{vanchor|ensiform}} || {{lang|la|ensiformis}} || whole leaf || Shaped like a sword; long and narrow with a sharp pointed tip
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|falcate}} || {{lang|la|falcatus}} || whole leaf || ]-shaped | ] || {{vanchor|falcate}} || {{lang|la|falcatus}} || whole leaf || ]-shaped
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|fenestrate}}|| {{lang|la|fenestratus}} || leaf surface features || Large openings through the leaf; see ]; sometimes used to describe leaf ]s | ] || {{vanchor|fenestrate}}|| {{lang|la|fenestratus}} || leaf surface features || Large openings through the leaf; see ]; sometimes used to describe leaf ]s
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|filiform}} || {{lang|la|filiformis}} || whole leaf || Thread- or filament-shaped | ] || {{vanchor|filiform}} || {{lang|la|filiformis}} || whole leaf || Thread- or filament-shaped
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|flabellate}} || {{lang|la|flabellatus}} || whole leaf || Semi-circular or fan-like | ] || {{vanchor|flabellate}} || {{lang|la|flabellatus}} || whole leaf || Semi-circular or fan-like
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|hastate}} || {{lang|la|hastatus}} || whole leaf or base || Spear-shaped: pointed, with barbs, shaped like a spear point, with flaring pointed lobes at the base | ] || {{vanchor|hastate}} || {{lang|la|hastatus}} || whole leaf or base || Spear-shaped: pointed, with barbs, shaped like a spear point, with flaring pointed lobes at the base
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|laciniate}} ||''lacinatus'' | ] || {{vanchor|laciniate}} ||''lacinatus''
| whole leaf || Very deeply lobed with the lobes being very drawn out and often making the leaf look somewhat like a branch or a pitchfork | whole leaf || Very deeply lobed with the lobes being very drawn out and often making the leaf look somewhat like a branch or a pitchfork
|- |-
| || {{vanchor|laminar}} || ||3-D shape || Flat (like most leaves) | || {{vanchor|laminar}} || ||3-D shape || Flat (like most leaves)
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|lanceolate}} || {{lang|la|lanceolatus}} || whole leaf || Long, wider in the middle, shaped like a ] tip | ] || {{vanchor|lanceolate}} || {{lang|la|lanceolatus}} || whole leaf || Long, wider in the middle, shaped like a ] tip
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|linear}} || {{lang|la|linearis}} || whole leaf || Long and very narrow like a blade of grass | ] || {{vanchor|linear}} || {{lang|la|linearis}} || whole leaf || Long and very narrow like a blade of grass
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|lobed}} || {{lang|la|lobatus}} || whole leaf || Being divided by clefts; may be ] or ] | ] || {{vanchor|lobed}} || {{lang|la|lobatus}} || whole leaf || Being divided by clefts; may be ] or ]
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|lorate}} || {{lang|la|loratus}} || whole leaf || Having the form of a thong or strap | ] || {{vanchor|lorate}} || {{lang|la|loratus}} || whole leaf || Having the form of a thong or strap
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|lyrate}} || {{lang|la|lyratus}} || whole leaf || Shaped like a ], ] leaf with an enlarged terminal lobe and smaller lateral lobes. ''See also ]''. | ] || {{vanchor|lyrate}} || {{lang|la|lyratus}} || whole leaf || Shaped like a ], ] leaf with an enlarged terminal lobe and smaller lateral lobes. ''See also ]''.
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|mucronate}} ||''mucronatus'' | ] || {{vanchor|mucronate}} ||''mucronatus''
| leaf tip || Ending abruptly in a small sharp point as a continuation of the midrib<ref>, Answers.com, from Roget's Thesaurus.</ref> | leaf tip || Ending abruptly in a small sharp point as a continuation of the midrib<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215034/http://www.answers.com/main/ntquery?s=Mucronate&gwp=13 |date=2016-03-03 }}, Answers.com, from Roget's Thesaurus.</ref>
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|multifid}} || {{lang|la|multi}} + {{lang|la|findere}} || whole leaf || Cleft into many parts or lobes | ] || {{vanchor|multifid}} || {{lang|la|multi}} + {{lang|la|findere}} || whole leaf || Cleft into many parts or lobes
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|obcordate}} || {{lang|la|obcordatus}} || whole leaf || ]-shaped, stem attaches at the tapering end | ] || {{vanchor|obcordate}} || {{lang|la|obcordatus}} || whole leaf || ]-shaped, stem attaches at the tapering end
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|oblanceolate}} || {{lang|la|oblanceolatus}} || whole leaf || Much longer than wide and with the widest portion near the tip; reversed lanceolate | ] || {{vanchor|oblanceolate}} || {{lang|la|oblanceolatus}} || whole leaf || Much longer than wide and with the widest portion near the tip; reversed lanceolate
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|oblique}} || || leaf base || Asymmetrical leaf base, with one side lower than the other | ] || {{vanchor|oblique}} || || leaf base || Asymmetrical leaf base, with one side lower than the other
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|oblong}} || {{lang|la|oblongus}} || whole leaf || Having an elongated form with slightly parallel sides; roughly rectangular | ] || {{vanchor|oblong}} || {{lang|la|oblongus}} || whole leaf || Having an elongated form with slightly parallel sides; roughly rectangular
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|obovate}} || {{lang|la|obovatus}} || whole leaf || Teardrop-shaped, stem attaches to the tapering end; reversed ovate | ] || {{vanchor|obovate}} || {{lang|la|obovatus}} || whole leaf || Teardrop-shaped, stem attaches to the tapering end; reversed ovate
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| || {{vanchor|obtrullate}} || || whole leaf || Reversed trullate; the longer sides meet at the base rather than the apex. | || {{vanchor|obtrullate}} || || whole leaf || Reversed trullate; the longer sides meet at the base rather than the apex.
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|obtuse}} || {{lang|la|obtusus}} || leaf tip or base || Blunt, forming an angle > 90° | ] || {{vanchor|obtuse}} || {{lang|la|obtusus}} || leaf tip or base || Blunt, forming an angle > 90°
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|orbicular}} || {{lang|la|orbicularis}} || whole leaf || Circular | ] || {{vanchor|orbicular}} || {{lang|la|orbicularis}} || whole leaf || Circular
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|ovate}} || {{lang|la|ovatus}} || whole leaf || Egg-shaped, with a tapering point and the widest portion near the petiole | ] || {{vanchor|ovate}} || {{lang|la|ovatus}} || whole leaf || Egg-shaped, with a tapering point and the widest portion near the petiole
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|palmate}} || {{lang|la|palmatus}} || whole leaf || Palm-shaped, i.e. with lobes or leaflets stemming from the leaf base<ref>{{cite web | url = http://glossary.gardenweb.com/glossary/palmate.html | title = palmate (adj. palmately) | year=2006 | work = GardenWeb Glossary of Botanical Terms |publisher=iVillage GardenWeb | access-date = 19 October 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090213124631/http://glossary.gardenweb.com:80/glossary/palmate.html | archive-date = 13 February 2009 | url-status = dead }}</ref><!-- Please add more latest web sources if you can --> | ] || {{vanchor|palmate}} || {{lang|la|palmatus}} || whole leaf || Palm-shaped, i.e. with lobes or leaflets stemming from the leaf base<ref>{{cite web | url = http://glossary.gardenweb.com/glossary/palmate.html | title = palmate (adj. palmately) | year=2006 | work = GardenWeb Glossary of Botanical Terms |publisher=iVillage GardenWeb | access-date = 19 October 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090213124631/http://glossary.gardenweb.com:80/glossary/palmate.html | archive-date = 13 February 2009 | url-status = dead }}</ref><!-- Please add more latest web sources if you can -->
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|palmately lobed}} || {{lang|la|palmatus}} || whole leaf || Lobes spread radially from a point<ref>{{Cite web|last1= Nelson |first1=Randal C. |url=https://www.cs.rochester.edu/~nelson/wildflowers/glossaries/leaves/index.html#lobed |title=Leaf description glossary |year= 2009 |orig-date=2012 |website=University of Rochester |access-date=2 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801032721/https://www.cs.rochester.edu/~nelson/wildflowers/glossaries/leaves/index.html |archive-date=1 August 2020 | url-status = dead}}</ref><!-- Please add more latest web sources if you can --> | ] || {{vanchor|palmately lobed}} || {{lang|la|palmatus}} || whole leaf || Lobes spread radially from a point<ref>{{Cite web|last1= Nelson |first1=Randal C. |url=https://www.cs.rochester.edu/~nelson/wildflowers/glossaries/leaves/index.html#lobed |title=Leaf description glossary |year= 2009 |orig-date=2012 |website=University of Rochester |access-date=2 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801032721/https://www.cs.rochester.edu/~nelson/wildflowers/glossaries/leaves/index.html |archive-date=1 August 2020 | url-status = dead}}</ref><!-- Please add more latest web sources if you can -->
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|palmatifid}} || {{lang|la|palma}} + {{lang|la|findere}} || whole leaf || Palm-shaped, having lobes with incisions that extend less than halfway toward the petiole | ] || {{vanchor|palmatifid}} || {{lang|la|palma}} + {{lang|la|findere}} || whole leaf || Palm-shaped, having lobes with incisions that extend less than halfway toward the petiole
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|palmatipartite}} || {{lang|la|palma}} + {{lang|la|partiri}} || whole leaf || Having palmate lobes with incisions that extend over halfway toward the petiole | ] || {{vanchor|palmatipartite}} || {{lang|la|palma}} + {{lang|la|partiri}} || whole leaf || Having palmate lobes with incisions that extend over halfway toward the petiole
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|palmatisect}} || {{lang|la|palma}} + {{lang|la|secare}} || whole leaf || Having palmate lobes with incisions that extend almost up, but not quite to the petiole. | ] || {{vanchor|palmatisect}} || {{lang|la|palma}} + {{lang|la|secare}} || whole leaf || Having palmate lobes with incisions that extend almost up, but not quite to the petiole.
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|pandurate}} ||''panduratus'' | ] || {{vanchor|pandurate}} ||''panduratus''
| whole leaf || Fiddle-shaped; obovate with a constriction near the middle. | whole leaf || Fiddle-shaped; obovate with a constriction near the middle.
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|pedate}} || {{lang|la|pedatus}} || whole leaf || Palmate, with cleft lobes<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pedate+leaf | title=Pedate leaf | access-date=24 February 2014}}</ref> | ] || {{vanchor|pedate}} || {{lang|la|pedatus}} || whole leaf || Palmate, with cleft lobes<ref>{{cite book |last1= Nicholson |first1= George |last2= Garret|first2= John|last3= Trail |first3= JWH|date=1887–1889 |title= The Illustrated Dictionary of Gardening |location= London |publisher= L. Upcott Gill |isbn=978-1436572316
}}</ref>
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|peltate}} || {{lang|la|peltatus}} || stem attachment || A round leaf where the petiole attaches near the center, e.g. a ] leaf | ] || {{vanchor|peltate}} || {{lang|la|peltatus}} || stem attachment || A round leaf where the petiole attaches near the center, e.g. a ] leaf
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|perfoliate}} || {{lang|la|perfoliatus}} || stem attachment || With the leaf blade surrounding the stem such that the stem appears to pass through the leaf | ] || {{vanchor|perfoliate}} || {{lang|la|perfoliatus}} || stem attachment || With the leaf blade surrounding the stem such that the stem appears to pass through the leaf
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|perforate}} || {{lang|la|perforatus}} || leaf surface features | ] || {{vanchor|perforate}} || {{lang|la|perforatus}} || leaf surface features
| Many holes, or ], on leaf surface. Compare with ]. | Many holes, or ], on leaf surface. Compare with ].
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|pinnately lobed}}<span class="anchor" id="pinnately"></span><!--was pinnately with lobed outside of vanchor--> || {{lang|la|pinna}} + {{lang|la|lobus}} || whole leaf || Having lobes pinnately arranged on the central axis | ] || {{vanchor|pinnately lobed}}<span class="anchor" id="pinnately"></span><!--was pinnately with lobed outside of vanchor--> || {{lang|la|pinna}} + {{lang|la|lobus}} || whole leaf || Having lobes pinnately arranged on the central axis
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|pinnatifid}} || {{lang|la|pinna}} + {{lang|la|findere}} || whole leaf || Having lobes with incisions that extend less than halfway to the midrib | ] || {{vanchor|pinnatifid}} || {{lang|la|pinna}} + {{lang|la|findere}} || whole leaf || Having lobes with incisions that extend less than halfway to the midrib
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|pinnatipartite}} || {{lang|la|pinnatus}} + {{lang|la|partiri}} || whole leaf || Having lobes with incisions that extend more than halfway to the midrib | ] || {{vanchor|pinnatipartite}} || {{lang|la|pinnatus}} + {{lang|la|partiri}} || whole leaf || Having lobes with incisions that extend more than halfway to the midrib
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|pinnatisect}} || {{lang|la|pinnatus}} + {{lang|la|sectus}} || whole leaf || Having lobes with incisions that extend almost to, or up to, the midrib | ] || {{vanchor|pinnatisect}} || {{lang|la|pinnatus}} + {{lang|la|sectus}} || whole leaf || Having lobes with incisions that extend almost to, or up to, the midrib
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|plicate}} || {{lang|la|plicatus}} || 3-D shape || Folded into ], usually lengthwise, serving the function of stiffening a large leaf | ] || {{vanchor|reniform}} || {{lang|la|reniformis}} || whole leaf || Shaped like a ], with an inward curve on one side
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|reniform}} || {{lang|la|reniformis}} || whole leaf || Shaped like a ], with an inward curve on one side | ] || {{vanchor|retuse}} || || leaf tip || With a shallow notch in a round apex
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|retuse}} || || leaf tip || With a shallow notch in a round apex | ] || {{vanchor|rhomboid}}, {{vanchor|rhombic}} || {{lang|la|rhomboidalis}} || whole leaf || Diamond-shaped
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|rhomboid}}, {{vanchor|rhombic}} || {{lang|la|rhomboidalis}} || whole leaf || Diamond-shaped | ] || {{vanchor|rounded}} || {{lang|la|rotundifolius}} || leaf tip or base || Circular, no distinct point
|-
| ] || {{vanchor|rounded}} || {{lang|la|rotundifolius}} || leaf tip or base || Circular, no distinct point
|- |-
| || semiterete || || 3-D shape || Rounded on one side and flat on the other | || semiterete || || 3-D shape || Rounded on one side and flat on the other
|- |-
| ]|| {{vanchor|sinuate}} || {{lang|la|sinuatus}} | ] || {{vanchor|sagittate}} || {{lang|la|sagittatus}} || whole leaf || ]-shaped with the lower lobes folded, or curled downward
| 3-D shape || Circularly-lobed leaves
|-
| ] || {{vanchor|sagittate}} || {{lang|la|sagittatus}} || whole leaf || ]-shaped with the lower lobes folded, or curled downward
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|spatulate}} || {{lang|la|spathulatus}} || whole leaf || Spoon-shaped; having a broad flat end which tapers to the base | ] || {{vanchor|spatulate}} || {{lang|la|spathulatus}} || whole leaf || Spoon-shaped; having a broad flat end which tapers to the base
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|spear}}-shaped || {{lang|la|hastatus}} | ] || {{vanchor|spear}}-shaped || {{lang|la|hastatus}}
| whole leaf || See ]. | whole leaf || See ].
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|subobtuse}} || {{lang|la|subobtusus}} || leaf tip or base || Somewhat blunted; neither blunt nor sharp | ] || {{vanchor|subobtuse}} || {{lang|la|subobtusus}} || leaf tip or base || Somewhat blunted; neither blunt nor sharp
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|subulate}} || {{lang|la|subulatus}} || leaf tip || ]-shaped with a tapering point | ] || {{vanchor|subulate}} || {{lang|la|subulatus}} || leaf tip || ]-shaped with a tapering point
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|]}} || || 3-D shape || Circular in cross-section; more or less cylindrical without grooves or ridges | ] || {{vanchor|]}} || || 3-D shape || Cylindrical with a circular or distorted circular cross-section and a single surface wrapping around it with no grooves or ridges. Subterete means the leaves are not completely terete, as seen in various ] and ].
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|trullate}} || || whole leaf || Shaped like a ] | ] || {{vanchor|trullate}} || || whole leaf || Shaped like a ]
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|truncate}} || {{lang|la|truncatus}} || leaf tip or base || With a squared-off end | ] || {{vanchor|truncate}} || {{lang|la|truncatus}} || leaf tip or base || With a squared-off end
|- |-
| || {{vanchor|undulate}} || {{lang|la|undulatus}} || 3-D shape || Wave-like | || {{vanchor|undulate}} || {{lang|la|undulatus}} || 3-D shape || Wave-like
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|unifoliate}} || {{lang|la|unifoliatus}} || compound leaves || With a single leaflet; it is distinct from a simple leaf by the presence of two ] and often by ]s and ]s. | ] || {{vanchor|unifoliate}} || {{lang|la|unifoliatus}} || compound leaves || With a single leaflet; it is distinct from a simple leaf by the presence of two ] and often by ]s and ]s.
|} |}


Line 230: Line 222:
Leaf margins (edges) are frequently used in visual plant identification because they are usually consistent within a species or group of species, and are an easy characteristic to observe. Edge and margin are interchangeable in the sense that they both refer to the outside perimeter of a leaf. Leaf margins (edges) are frequently used in visual plant identification because they are usually consistent within a species or group of species, and are an easy characteristic to observe. Edge and margin are interchangeable in the sense that they both refer to the outside perimeter of a leaf.


{| class="wikitable sortable centre" {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="margin:auto; width:80%
|- |-
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Image ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Image
Line 237: Line 229:
! scope="col" | Description ! scope="col" | Description
|- |-
|]||{{anchor|Entire}}{{anchor|entire}}entire||''Forma''<br />''integra''||Even; with a smooth margin; without toothing |]||{{anchor|Entire}}{{anchor|entire}}entire||''Forma''<br />''integra''||Even; with a smooth margin; without toothing
|- |-
|]||{{anchor|Ciliate}}{{anchor|ciliate}}ciliate||''ciliatus''||Fringed with hairs |]||{{anchor|Ciliate}}{{anchor|ciliate}}ciliate||''ciliatus''||Fringed with hairs
|- |-
|]||{{anchor|Crenate}}{{anchor|crenate}}crenate||''crenatus''||Wavy-toothed; dentate with rounded teeth |]||{{anchor|Crenate}}{{anchor|crenate}}crenate||''crenatus''||Wavy-toothed; dentate with rounded teeth
|- |-
| || |{{anchor|Crenulate}}{{anchor|crenulate}}crenulate || ''crenulatus'' || Finely crenate | || |{{anchor|Crenulate}}{{anchor|crenulate}}crenulate || ''crenulatus'' || Finely crenate
Line 247: Line 239:
| || |{{anchor|Crisped}}{{anchor|crisped}}crisped || ''crispus'' || Curly | || |{{anchor|Crisped}}{{anchor|crisped}}crisped || ''crispus'' || Curly
|- |-
|]||{{anchor|Dentate}}{{anchor|dentate}}dentate||''dentatus''||Toothed; |]||{{anchor|Dentate}}{{anchor|dentate}}dentate||''dentatus''||Toothed;
may be {{anchor|coarsely dentate}}'''coarsely dentate''', having large teeth may be {{anchor|coarsely dentate}}'''coarsely dentate''', having large teeth


or {{anchor|glandular dentate}}'''glandular dentate''', having teeth which bear glands or {{anchor|glandular dentate}}'''glandular dentate''', having teeth which bear glands
|- |-
|]||{{anchor|Denticulate}}{{anchor|denticulate}}denticulate||''denticulatus''||Finely toothed |]||{{anchor|Denticulate}}{{anchor|denticulate}}denticulate||''denticulatus''||Finely toothed
|- |-
|]||{{anchor|Doubly serrate}}{{anchor|doubly serrate}}doubly serrate||''duplicato-dentatus''||Each tooth bearing smaller teeth |]||{{anchor|Doubly serrate}}{{anchor|doubly serrate}}doubly serrate||''duplicato-dentatus''||Each tooth bearing smaller teeth
|- |-
|]||{{anchor|Serrate}}{{anchor|serrate}}serrate||''serratus''||Saw-toothed; with asymmetrical teeth pointing forward |]||{{anchor|Serrate}}{{anchor|serrate}}serrate||''serratus''||Saw-toothed; with asymmetrical teeth pointing forward
|- |-
|]||{{anchor|Serrulate}}{{anchor|serrulate}}serrulate||''serrulatus''||Finely serrate |]||{{anchor|Serrulate}}{{anchor|serrulate}}serrulate||''serrulatus''||Finely serrate
|- |-
|]||{{anchor|Sinuate}}{{anchor|sinuate}}sinuate||''sinuosus''||With deep, wave-like indentations; coarsely crenate |]||{{anchor|Sinuate}}{{anchor|sinuate}}sinuate||''sinuosus''||With deep, wave-like indentations; coarsely crenate
|- |-
|]||{{anchor|Lobate}}{{anchor|lobate}}lobate||''lobatus''||Indented, with the indentations not reaching the center |]||{{anchor|Lobate}}{{anchor|lobate}}lobate||''lobatus''||Indented, with the indentations not reaching the center
|- |-
|]||{{anchor|Undulate}}{{anchor|undulate}}undulate||''undulatus''||With a wavy edge, shallower than sinuate |]||{{anchor|Undulate}}{{anchor|undulate}}undulate||''undulatus''||With a wavy edge, shallower than sinuate
|- |-
|]||{{anchor|Spiny}}{{anchor|spiny}}spiny or {{anchor|pungent}}pungent||''spiculatus''||With stiff, sharp points such as ]s |]||{{anchor|Spiny}}{{anchor|spiny}}spiny or {{anchor|pungent}}pungent||''spiculatus''||With stiff, sharp points such as ]s
|} |}


== Leaf folding == == Leaf folding ==
Leaves may also be folded, sculpted or rolled in various ways. If the leaves are initially folded in the bud, but later unrolls it is called ], ] is the folding of an individual leaf in a bud. Leaves may also be folded, sculpted or rolled in various ways. If the leaves are initially folded in the bud, but later unrolls it is called ], ] is the folding of an individual leaf in a bud.
{| class="wikitable sortable centre" {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="margin:auto; width:80%
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Image ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Image
! scope="col" | Term ! scope="col" | Term
Line 279: Line 271:
| | || {{vanchor|carinate}} or keeled || ''carinatus'' || With a longitudinal ridge, ]-shaped | | || {{vanchor|carinate}} or keeled || ''carinatus'' || With a longitudinal ridge, ]-shaped
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|conduplicate}} || || Folded upwards, with the surfaces close to parallel | ] || {{vanchor|conduplicate}} || || Folded upwards, with the surfaces close to parallel
|- |-
| |] || {{vanchor|cucullate}} || || Forming a hood, margins and tip curved downward | |] || {{vanchor|cucullate}} || || Forming a hood, margins and tip curved downward
|- |-
| |] || {{vanchor|involute}} || || Rolled upwards (towards the adaxial surface) | |] || {{vanchor|involute}} || || Rolled upwards (towards the adaxial surface)
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|plicate}} || ''plicatus'' || With parallel folds | ] || {{vanchor|plicate}} || ''plicatus'' || With parallel folds
|- |-
| | || {{vanchor|reduplicate}} || || Folded downwards, with the surfaces close to parallel | | || {{vanchor|reduplicate}} || || Folded downwards, with the surfaces close to parallel
|- |-
| ] || {{vanchor|revolute}} || || Rolled downwards (towards the abaxial surface) | ] || {{vanchor|revolute}} || || Rolled downwards (towards the abaxial surface)
|- |-
| | || {{vanchor|supervolute}} || || Opposing left and right halves of lamina folded along longitudinal axis, with one half rolled completely within the other | | || {{vanchor|supervolute}} || || Opposing left and right halves of lamina folded along longitudinal axis, with one half rolled completely within the other
Line 332: Line 324:


] ]
] ]
]
] ]

Latest revision as of 13:11, 17 December 2024

Chart illustrating leaf morphology terms

The following terms are used to describe leaf morphology in the description and taxonomy of plants. Leaves may be simple (that is, the leaf blade or 'lamina' is undivided) or compound (that is, the leaf blade is divided into two or more leaflets). The edge of the leaf may be regular or irregular, and may be smooth or have hair, bristles, or spines. For more terms describing other aspects of leaves besides their overall morphology see the leaf article.

The terms listed here all are supported by technical and professional usage, but they cannot be represented as mandatory or undebatable; readers must use their judgement. Authors often use terms arbitrarily, or coin them to taste, possibly in ignorance of established terms, and it is not always clear whether because of ignorance, or personal preference, or because usages change with time or context, or because of variation between specimens, even specimens from the same plant. For example, whether to call leaves on the same tree "acuminate", "lanceolate", or "linear" could depend on individual judgement, or which part of the tree one collected them from. The same cautions might apply to "caudate", "cuspidate", and "mucronate", or to "crenate", "dentate", and "serrate".

Another problem is to establish definitions that meet all cases or satisfy all authorities and readers. For example, it seems altogether reasonable to define a mucro as "a small sharp point as a continuation of the midrib", but it may not be clear how small is small enough, how sharp is sharp enough, how hard the point must be, and what to call the point when one cannot tell whether the leaf has a midrib at all. Various authors or field workers might come to incompatible conclusions, or might try to compromise by qualifying terms so vaguely that a description of a particular plant practically loses its value.

Use of these terms is not restricted to leaves, but may be applied to morphology of other parts of plants, e.g. bracts, bracteoles, stipules, sepals, petals, carpels or scales. Some of these terms are also used for similar-looking anatomical features on animals.

Leaf structure

Leaves of most plants include a flat structure called the blade or lamina supported by a network of veins, a petiole and a leaf base; but not all leaves are flat, some are cylindrical. Leaves may be simple, with a single leaf blade, or compound, with several leaflets. Compound leaves may be pinnate with pinnae (leaflets) on both sides of a rachis (axis), or may be palmate with multiple leaflets arising from a single point. Leaf structure is described by several terms that include:

Bipinnate leaf anatomy with labels showing alternative usages
A ternate compound leaf with a petiole but no rachis (or rachillae)
Image Term Latin Description
bifoliolate Having two leaflets
geminate
jugate
bigeminate Having two leaflets, each leaflet being bifoliolate
bipinnate bipinnatus The leaflets are themselves pinnately-compound; twice pinnate see imparipinnate and paripinnate
biternate With three components, each with three leaflets
imparipinnate With an odd number of leaflets, pinnate with a terminal leaflet (the opposite of paripinnate)
odd-pinnate
paripinnate Pinnate with an even number of leaflets, lacking a terminal leaflet (the opposite of imparipinnate)
even-pinnate
palmately compound palmatus Consisting of leaflets all radiating from one point
simple Leaf blade in one continuous section, without leaflets (not compound)
ternate ternatus With three leaflets
trifoliate trifoliatus
trifoliolate trifoliolatus
tripinnate tripinnatus Pinnately compound in which each leaflet is itself bipinnate

Leaf and leaflet shapes

Being one of the more visible features, leaf shape is commonly used for plant identification. Similar terms are used for other plant parts, such as petals, tepals, and bracts.

Oddly pinnate, pinnatifid leaves (Coriandrum sativum, coriander or cilantro)
Partial chlorosis revealing palmate venation in simple leaves of Hibiscus mutabilis
Image Term Latin Refers principally to Description
acicular acicularis whole leaf Slender and pointed, needle-like
acuminate acuminatus leaf tip Tapering to a long point in a concave manner
acute leaf tip or base Pointed, having a short sharp apex angled less than 90°
apiculate apiculatus leaf tip Tapering and ending in a short, slender point
aristate aristatus leaf tip Ending in a stiff, bristle-like point
asymmetrical whole leaf With the blade shape different on each side of the midrib
attenuate attenuatus leaf base Having leaf tissue taper down the petiole to a narrow base and always having some leaf material on each side of the petiole
auriculate auriculatus leaf base Having ear-shaped appendages reaching beyond the attachment to the petiole or stem (in case of a seated leaf)
caudate caudatus leaf tip Tailed at the apex
cirrus, cirrate leaf tip Having a rachis that extends beyond the leaf blade or leaflets into a long whip-like extension or cirrus (common in climbing palms); antonym: ecirrate
cordate, cordiform cordatus whole leaf or base Heart-shaped, with the petiole or stem attached to the notch
cuneate cuneatus leaf base Triangular, wedge-shaped, stem attaches to point
cuneiform whole leaf Narrowly triangular, widest on the opposite end from the stem, with the corners at that end rounded
cuspidate cuspidatus leaf tip With a sharp, elongated, rigid tip; tipped with a cusp
deltoid, deltate deltoideus whole leaf Shaped like the Greek letter delta; triangular with stem attached to side
digitate digitatus whole leaf A palmately compound leaf with leaflets, similar to palmate
ecirrate leaf tip Without a cirrus; antonym: cirrate
elliptic ellipticus whole leaf Shaped like an ellipse (widest at mid-blade and with similar convex tapering towards apex and base), with a short or no point
emarginate emarginatus leaf tip Slightly indented at the tip
ensiform ensiformis whole leaf Shaped like a sword; long and narrow with a sharp pointed tip
falcate falcatus whole leaf Sickle-shaped
fenestrate fenestratus leaf surface features Large openings through the leaf; see perforate; sometimes used to describe leaf epidermal windows
filiform filiformis whole leaf Thread- or filament-shaped
flabellate flabellatus whole leaf Semi-circular or fan-like
hastate hastatus whole leaf or base Spear-shaped: pointed, with barbs, shaped like a spear point, with flaring pointed lobes at the base
laciniate lacinatus whole leaf Very deeply lobed with the lobes being very drawn out and often making the leaf look somewhat like a branch or a pitchfork
laminar 3-D shape Flat (like most leaves)
lanceolate lanceolatus whole leaf Long, wider in the middle, shaped like a lance tip
linear linearis whole leaf Long and very narrow like a blade of grass
lobed lobatus whole leaf Being divided by clefts; may be pinnately lobed or palmately lobed
lorate loratus whole leaf Having the form of a thong or strap
lyrate lyratus whole leaf Shaped like a lyre, pinnately lobed leaf with an enlarged terminal lobe and smaller lateral lobes. See also List of lyrate plants.
mucronate mucronatus leaf tip Ending abruptly in a small sharp point as a continuation of the midrib
multifid multi + findere whole leaf Cleft into many parts or lobes
obcordate obcordatus whole leaf Heart-shaped, stem attaches at the tapering end
oblanceolate oblanceolatus whole leaf Much longer than wide and with the widest portion near the tip; reversed lanceolate
oblique leaf base Asymmetrical leaf base, with one side lower than the other
oblong oblongus whole leaf Having an elongated form with slightly parallel sides; roughly rectangular
obovate obovatus whole leaf Teardrop-shaped, stem attaches to the tapering end; reversed ovate
obtrullate whole leaf Reversed trullate; the longer sides meet at the base rather than the apex.
obtuse obtusus leaf tip or base Blunt, forming an angle > 90°
orbicular orbicularis whole leaf Circular
ovate ovatus whole leaf Egg-shaped, with a tapering point and the widest portion near the petiole
palmate palmatus whole leaf Palm-shaped, i.e. with lobes or leaflets stemming from the leaf base
palmately lobed palmatus whole leaf Lobes spread radially from a point
palmatifid palma + findere whole leaf Palm-shaped, having lobes with incisions that extend less than halfway toward the petiole
palmatipartite palma + partiri whole leaf Having palmate lobes with incisions that extend over halfway toward the petiole
palmatisect palma + secare whole leaf Having palmate lobes with incisions that extend almost up, but not quite to the petiole.
pandurate panduratus whole leaf Fiddle-shaped; obovate with a constriction near the middle.
pedate pedatus whole leaf Palmate, with cleft lobes
peltate peltatus stem attachment A round leaf where the petiole attaches near the center, e.g. a lotus leaf
perfoliate perfoliatus stem attachment With the leaf blade surrounding the stem such that the stem appears to pass through the leaf
perforate perforatus leaf surface features Many holes, or perforations, on leaf surface. Compare with fenestrate.
pinnately lobed pinna + lobus whole leaf Having lobes pinnately arranged on the central axis
pinnatifid pinna + findere whole leaf Having lobes with incisions that extend less than halfway to the midrib
pinnatipartite pinnatus + partiri whole leaf Having lobes with incisions that extend more than halfway to the midrib
pinnatisect pinnatus + sectus whole leaf Having lobes with incisions that extend almost to, or up to, the midrib
reniform reniformis whole leaf Shaped like a kidney, with an inward curve on one side
retuse leaf tip With a shallow notch in a round apex
rhomboid, rhombic rhomboidalis whole leaf Diamond-shaped
rounded rotundifolius leaf tip or base Circular, no distinct point
semiterete 3-D shape Rounded on one side and flat on the other
sagittate sagittatus whole leaf Arrowhead-shaped with the lower lobes folded, or curled downward
spatulate spathulatus whole leaf Spoon-shaped; having a broad flat end which tapers to the base
spear-shaped hastatus whole leaf See hastate.
subobtuse subobtusus leaf tip or base Somewhat blunted; neither blunt nor sharp
subulate subulatus leaf tip Awl-shaped with a tapering point
terete 3-D shape Cylindrical with a circular or distorted circular cross-section and a single surface wrapping around it with no grooves or ridges. Subterete means the leaves are not completely terete, as seen in various lichens and succulents.
trullate whole leaf Shaped like a masonry trowel
truncate truncatus leaf tip or base With a squared-off end
undulate undulatus 3-D shape Wave-like
unifoliate unifoliatus compound leaves With a single leaflet; it is distinct from a simple leaf by the presence of two abscission layers and often by petiolules and stipels.

Edge

Leaf margins (edges) are frequently used in visual plant identification because they are usually consistent within a species or group of species, and are an easy characteristic to observe. Edge and margin are interchangeable in the sense that they both refer to the outside perimeter of a leaf.

Image Term Latin Description
entire Forma
integra		 Even; with a smooth margin; without toothing
ciliate ciliatus Fringed with hairs
crenate crenatus Wavy-toothed; dentate with rounded teeth
crenulate crenulatus Finely crenate
crisped crispus Curly
dentate dentatus Toothed;

may be coarsely dentate, having large teeth

or glandular dentate, having teeth which bear glands

denticulate denticulatus Finely toothed
doubly serrate duplicato-dentatus Each tooth bearing smaller teeth
serrate serratus Saw-toothed; with asymmetrical teeth pointing forward
serrulate serrulatus Finely serrate
sinuate sinuosus With deep, wave-like indentations; coarsely crenate
lobate lobatus Indented, with the indentations not reaching the center
undulate undulatus With a wavy edge, shallower than sinuate
spiny or pungent spiculatus With stiff, sharp points such as thistles

Leaf folding

Leaves may also be folded, sculpted or rolled in various ways. If the leaves are initially folded in the bud, but later unrolls it is called vernation, ptyxis is the folding of an individual leaf in a bud.

Image Term Latin Description
carinate or keeled carinatus With a longitudinal ridge, keel-shaped
conduplicate Folded upwards, with the surfaces close to parallel
cucullate Forming a hood, margins and tip curved downward
involute Rolled upwards (towards the adaxial surface)
plicate plicatus With parallel folds
reduplicate Folded downwards, with the surfaces close to parallel
revolute Rolled downwards (towards the abaxial surface)
supervolute Opposing left and right halves of lamina folded along longitudinal axis, with one half rolled completely within the other

Latin descriptions

The Latin word for 'leaf', folium, is neuter. In descriptions of a single leaf, the neuter singular ending of the adjective is used, e.g. folium lanceolatum 'lanceolate leaf', folium lineare 'linear leaf'. In descriptions of multiple leaves, the neuter plural is used, e.g. folia linearia 'linear leaves'. Descriptions commonly refer to the plant using the ablative singular or plural, e.g. foliis ovatis 'with ovate leaves'.

See also

References

  1. ^ The Ultimate Visual Family Dictionary. New Delhi: DK Pub. 2012. pp. 136–137. ISBN 978-0-1434-1954-9.
  2. Radford, A.E.; Dickison, W.C.; Massey, J.R.; Bell, C.R. (1976). "Phytography - Morphological Evidence". Vascular Plant Systematics. Harper and Row, New York.
  3. Index of Garden Plants, Mark Griffiths, Timber Press, 1992
  4. Mucronate Archived 2016-03-03 at the Wayback Machine, Answers.com, from Roget's Thesaurus.
  5. "palmate (adj. palmately)". GardenWeb Glossary of Botanical Terms. iVillage GardenWeb. 2006. Archived from the original on 13 February 2009. Retrieved 19 October 2008.
  6. Nelson, Randal C. (2009) . "Leaf description glossary". University of Rochester. Archived from the original on 1 August 2020. Retrieved 2 November 2017.
  7. Nicholson, George; Garret, John; Trail, JWH (1887–1889). The Illustrated Dictionary of Gardening. London: L. Upcott Gill. ISBN 978-1436572316.
  8. Stearn (2004), pp. 439–440.

Bibliography

External links

Categories: