Leaf shapes Flashcards
Describe characteristics of a simple leaf
Generally monocotyledons (bulbs/grasses etc)
can lack a petiole (stalk)
Continuous leaf blade/smooth margin
parallel vennation
leaf blades in single units-there is basically one leaf only not loads on one petiole
what is a compound leaf?
multiple leaflets on petiole
what is a leaflet?
aka a leaf or blade
definition of a compound leaf is?
separate leaflets.
the axillary bud is at the base of the main leaf stalk where it attaches to the stem
think of a silver birch :)
what can happen to an axillary bud?
it can grow into lateral shoots/flowers or remain dormant-picture a camellia (the little green thing next to the leaves/flowers.
what is another name for a leaf?
blade, multiples are leaflets.
how is a leaf attached to the stem?
by a leaf stalk AKA the petiole
what is the function of the petiole?
it can rotate the leaf blade to track the suns position throughout the day.
what does the petiole provide for the leaf/leaflets?
flexibility in winds/heavy rain and spacing of blades for maximum light exposure.
what is meant by a petiolate leaf?
one with a petiole
what is a sessile leaf?
he blade is directly attached to the stem
(think of a camellia)
No petiole, (sits on stem)
describe formation of a palmate compound leaf
think of a lupin
(fingers of an outstretched hand)
the leaflets arise from one point at the tip of the petiole
describe formation of a pinnate compound leaf
“feather like”
the leaflets are arranged along the central axis of petiole
(think of the wisteria)
what is a bipinnately compound leaf?
the same as pinnate but there are more leaflets.
It’s basically more feathery
what leaf shapes are within the compound category?
palmate (lupin)
pinnate (silver birch)
peltate (nasturtian)
