Leaf Morphology Flashcards
Reflexed
Bent or curved backward or downward
Alternate
One leaf borne per node; leaves spiral around twig
Obovate
Widest point is above the middle, L:W <2
Lobed
A leaf with distinct projections from the midrib with individual inside veins
Simple leaf
An undivided or uninterrupted leaf blade (uninterrupted main vein(s) )
Oblanceolate
Widest point is above the middle, L:W >3
-ulate
suffix for diminutive size
(first syllable of base word + suffix)
Reniform
Simple kidney-shaped leaf
Acuminate
Leaf apex shape, prolonged point
Scurfy
Leaf covered with small scalelike particles
Peltate
Round leaf, with the stem attached near the center of the lower surface rather than the margin
e.g. nasturtium
Spine
Modified sharp, pointed leaf
Opposite
Two leaves per node; leaves opposite each other on the twig
Petiolule
Stalk of a leaflet
Linear
Widest point is at the middle, elongated leaf, L:W >5
Dentate
Toothed margin (think: mountain shape)
Petiole
Leaf stalk
Crenate
scalloped margin
Teeth
Small indentations
Pinnatifid
A leaf with a blades divided into narrow lobes and with sinuses extending more than halfway to the midrib
Spinose
Margin baring small spines
Thorn
Modified sharp pointed branch
Pubescent
Leaf with a hairy surface
Sinus
On a leaf, a space or indentation between two lobes or teeth
Rugose
Wrinkled–typical leaves of the mint family
Decompound
Leaves more than once pinnately compound
Twice pinnately compound
Leaves twice pinnately compound (pinnately compound leaflets arranged pinnately on a main elongated axis)
Acute
Leaf apex shape, pointed