Leaf Morphology

Question 1

Reflexed

Answer 1

Bent or curved backward or downward

Question 2

Alternate

Answer 2

One leaf borne per node; leaves spiral around twig

Question 3

Obovate

Answer 3

Widest point is above the middle, L:W <2

Question 4

Lobed

Answer 4

A leaf with distinct projections from the midrib with individual inside veins

Question 5

Simple leaf

Answer 5

An undivided or uninterrupted leaf blade (uninterrupted main vein(s) )

Question 6

Oblanceolate

Answer 6

Widest point is above the middle, L:W >3

Question 7

-ulate

Answer 7

suffix for diminutive size

(first syllable of base word + suffix)

Question 8

Reniform

Answer 8

Simple kidney-shaped leaf

Question 9

Acuminate

Answer 9

Leaf apex shape, prolonged point

Question 10

Scurfy

Answer 10

Leaf covered with small scalelike particles

Question 11

Peltate

Answer 11

Round leaf, with the stem attached near the center of the lower surface rather than the margin

e.g. nasturtium

Question 12

Spine

Answer 12

Modified sharp, pointed leaf

Question 13

Opposite

Answer 13

Two leaves per node; leaves opposite each other on the twig

Question 14

Petiolule

Answer 14

Stalk of a leaflet

Question 15

Linear

Answer 15

Widest point is at the middle, elongated leaf, L:W >5

Question 16

Dentate

Answer 16

Toothed margin (think: mountain shape)

Question 17

Petiole

Answer 17

Leaf stalk

Question 18

Crenate

Answer 18

scalloped margin

Question 19

Teeth

Answer 19

Small indentations

Question 20

Pinnatifid

Answer 20

A leaf with a blades divided into narrow lobes and with sinuses extending more than halfway to the midrib

Question 21

Spinose

Answer 21

Margin baring small spines

Question 22

Thorn

Answer 22

Modified sharp pointed branch

Question 23

Pubescent

Answer 23

Leaf with a hairy surface

Question 24

Sinus

Answer 24

On a leaf, a space or indentation between two lobes or teeth

Question 25

Rugose

Answer 25

Wrinkled--typical leaves of the mint family

Question 26

Decompound

Answer 26

Leaves more than once pinnately compound

Question 27

Twice pinnately compound

Answer 27

Leaves twice pinnately compound (pinnately compound leaflets arranged pinnately on a main elongated axis)

Question 28

Acute

Answer 28

Leaf apex shape, pointed

Question 29

Lanceolate

Answer 29

Widest point is below the middle, L:W \>3

Question 30

Zonation

Answer 30

Markings on the leaf, usually circular in pattern

Question 31

Axillary bud

Answer 31

Bud at the base of any leaf, indicates the base of a petiole vs a stem (which does not have a bud)

Question 32

Prickle

Answer 32

Sharp outgrowth of epidermis or bark, occures at internodes

Question 33

Cordate

Answer 33

Leaf base shape, notched

Question 34

Internode

Answer 34

The segment of the stem between nodes

Question 35

Rachis

Answer 35

Main axis of a compound leaf of inflorescence from which leaflets or flowers are borne

Question 36

Compound leaf

Answer 36

Leaf blade divided into segments

Question 37

Tuberous root

Answer 37

A modified lateral root, enlarged to function as a storage organ

Question 38

Viscid

Answer 38

Leaf covered with sticky or resinous secretion

Question 39

Palmate compound

Answer 39

Compound leaf with all leaflets arranged at the apex of the petiole

Question 40

Cuneate

Answer 40

Leaf base shape, pointed

Question 41

Obtuse

Answer 41

Leaf apex shape, rounded

Question 42

Rotund

Answer 42

Leaf base shape, rounded

Question 43

Ovate

Answer 43

Widest point below the middle, L:W \<2

Question 44

Blade

Answer 44

Broad, expanded part of the leaf

Question 45

Entire

Answer 45

Smooth margin

Question 46

Leaflet

Answer 46

Photosynthetic division of a compound leaf

Question 47

Dwarf shoots

Answer 47

Leaves arranged on lateral shoot, shoot is \< 1"

Question 48

Whorled

Answer 48

Three or more leaves per node

Question 49

Node

Answer 49

One of the spots upon a stem where buds occur

Question 50

Verticillate

Answer 50

Another term for 'whorled'

Question 51

Oblong

Answer 51

Widest point is at the middle, elongated leaf with nearly parallel sides, L:W 3-5

Question 52

Pinnately compound

Answer 52

A compound leaf with leaflets arranged on opposite sides of one elongated axis

Question 53

Succulent

Answer 53

Thick fleshy tissue adapted to water storage

Question 54

Attenuate

Answer 54

Leaf base shape, prolonged point

Question 55

Variegated

Answer 55

The presence of two or more colors in the leaves, petals, or other parts of plants

Question 56

Visual difference between thorn and spine

Answer 56

A thorn occures at nodes between the stem and leaf where there would normally be a bud that would break into a branch. A spine occures outside of the bud or branch.

Question 57

Retuse or Emarginate

Answer 57

Leaf apex shape, notched

Question 58

Procumbent

Answer 58

Spreading along the ground but not rooting at the nodes

Question 59

Clasping leaf

Answer 59

Leaf whose base partially or completely surrounds a stem

Question 60

Pin shoots

Answer 60

Leaves arranged on lateral shoot, shoot is ≥ 1"

Question 61

Maculation

Answer 61

Spotted coloration

Question 62

Decussate

Answer 62

Adjacent pair of leaves is rotated about 90°

Question 63

Elliptic

Answer 63

Widest point is at the middle, L:W \<2

Question 64

Glaucous

Answer 64

Leaf covered with a whitish powder or waxy coating

Question 65

Stipule

Answer 65

One of a pair of leaf-like appendages often found at the base of the petiole

Question 66

Sessile

Answer 66

Leaf attached directly to the stem

Question 67

Serrate

Answer 67

saw-tooth margin