Leaf Identification
Leaf Structure
Leaf Identification |
Leaf Structure |
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| Home | Introduction | Leaf Sturcture | |||
| Leaf Arrangement and Venation | Leaf Margins | Summary Practice | |||
Knowing the features of a leaf will help you learn to identify plants.
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The blade is the entire leaf unit. Sometimes this is made up of several smaller leaflets. |
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The margin is the term used to describe the edge of the leaf. |
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Base is the name given to the part of the blade that is closest to the stem. |
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The Apex is the tip of the leaf. |
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(At a later time, you may want to learn the names of the different types of apexes and bases.)
The two leaf parts you will learn next are those closest to the stem.
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The Petiole is the thin stalk that connects the leaf blade to the stem. |
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Stipules are tiny leaf-like structures that may or may not be present at the base of the petiole. |
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Leaves which have petioles are called Petiolate |
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If a leaf has no petiole it is called Sessile. |
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There are more terms to describe other parts of a leaf, but these seven are enough to get you started with plant identification.
