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{{short description|Wikipedia glossary}}
{{Short description|none}}
[[File:Leaf morphology.svg|thumb|right|Chart illustrating leaf morphology terms|upright=1.4]]
[[File:Leaf morphology.svg|thumb|right|Chart illustrating leaf morphology terms|upright=1.4]]
The following is a list of terms which are used to describe [[leaf]] [[plant morphology|morphology]] in the description and [[taxonomy (biology)|taxonomy]] of plants. Leaves may be simple (a single leaf blade or lamina) or compound (with several [[leaflet (botany)|leaflets]]). 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 [[leaf#Terminology|leaf]] article.
The following terms are used to describe [[leaf]] [[plant morphology|morphology]] in the description and [[taxonomy (biology)|taxonomy]] of plants. Leaves may be simple (a single leaf blade or lamina) or compound (with several [[leaflet (botany)|leaflets]]). 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 [[leaf#Terminology|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".
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".
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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.


Furthermore, the use of these terms usually is not restricted to leaves only, but may be used in describing the morphology of many other parts of plants, e.g. [[bract]]s, [[bracteole]]s, [[stipule]]s, [[sepal]]s, [[petal]]s, [[Gynoecium#Carpels|carpels]] or [[Trichome|scale]]s.
Use of these terms is not restricted to leaves, but may be applied to morphology of other parts of plants, e.g. [[bract]]s, [[bracteole]]s, [[stipule]]s, [[sepal]]s, [[petal]]s, [[Gynoecium#Carpels|carpels]] or [[Trichome|scale]]s. Some of these terms are also used for similar-looking anatomical features on animals.


==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 [[leaflet (botany)|leaflets]]. In [[flowering plant]]s, as well as the blade of the leaf, there may be a [[petiole (botany)|petiole]] and [[stipule]]s; compound leaves may have a [[rachis]] supporting the leaflets. Leaf structure is described by several terms that include:
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 [[leaflet (botany)|leaflets]]. In [[flowering plant]]s, as well as the blade of the leaf, there may be a [[petiole (botany)|petiole]] and [[stipule]]s; compound leaves may have a [[rachis]] supporting the leaflets. Leaf structure is described by several terms that include:{{cn|date=September 2022}}
[[File:Bipinnate leaf anatomy with alternate labels.jpg|thumb|Bipinnate leaf anatomy with labels showing alternative usages]][[File:Leaf morphology type ternately-compound palmate-ternate sessile.png|thumb|A ternate compound leaf with a [[petiole (botany)|petiole]] but no [[rachis]] (or rachillae)]]
[[File:Bipinnate leaf anatomy with alternate labels.jpg|thumb|Bipinnate leaf anatomy with labels showing alternative usages]][[File:Leaf morphology type ternately-compound palmate-ternate sessile.png|thumb|A ternate compound leaf with a [[petiole (botany)|petiole]] but no [[rachis]] (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" | [[File:Leaf morphology Bifoliolate.png|64px]] || [[wikt:bifoliolate|{{vanchor|bifoliolate}}]] || rowspan="3" | || rowspan="3" | Having two leaflets<ref>{{citation |title=Vascular Plant Systematics |authors=Radford, A. E., W. C. Dickison, J. R. Massey, C. R. Bell |year=1976 |publisher=Harper and Row, New York |chapter=Phytography - Morphological Evidence |chapter-url=http://www.ibiblio.org/botnet/glossary/}}</ref>
| rowspan="3" | [[File:Leaf morphology Bifoliolate.png|100px]] || [[wikt:bifoliolate|{{vanchor|bifoliolate}}]] || 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}}
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology Bigeminate.png|64px]] || [[wikt:bigeminate|{{vanchor|bigeminate}}]] || || Having two leaflets, each leaflet being bifoliolate
| [[File:Leaf morphology Bigeminate.png|100px]] || [[wikt:bigeminate|{{vanchor|bigeminate}}]] || || Having two leaflets, each leaflet being bifoliolate
|-
|-


| [[File:Leaf morphology bipinnate.png|64px]] || [[wikt:bipinnate|{{vanchor|bipinnate}}]] || {{lang|la|bipinnatus}} || The leaflets are themselves [[#pinnate|pinnately]]-compound; twice pinnate
| [[File:Leaf morphology bipinnate.png|100px]] || [[wikt:bipinnate|{{vanchor|bipinnate}}]] || {{lang|la|bipinnatus}} || The leaflets are themselves [[#pinnate|pinnately]]-compound; twice pinnate
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology Biternate.png|64px]] || [[wikt:biternate|{{vanchor|biternate}}]] || || With three components, each with three leaflets
| [[File:Leaf morphology Biternate.png|100px]] || [[wikt:biternate|{{vanchor|biternate}}]] || || With three components, each with three leaflets
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Leaf morphology odd pinnate.png|64px]] || [[wikt:imparipinnate|{{vanchor|imparipinnate}}]] || || rowspan="2" | With an [[Parity (mathematics)|odd number]] of leaflets, pinnate with a terminal leaflet (the opposite of [[#paripinnate|paripinnate]])
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Leaf morphology odd pinnate.png|100px]] || [[wikt:imparipinnate|{{vanchor|imparipinnate}}]] || || rowspan="2" | With an [[Parity (mathematics)|odd number]] of leaflets, pinnate with a terminal leaflet (the opposite of [[#paripinnate|paripinnate]])
|-
|-
| {{vanchor|odd-pinnate}} ||
| {{vanchor|odd-pinnate}} ||
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Leaf morphology even pinnate.png|64px]] || [[wikt:paripinnate|{{vanchor|paripinnate}}]] || || rowspan="2" | Pinnate with an [[Parity (mathematics)|even number]] of leaflets, lacking a terminal leaflet (the opposite of [[#imparipinnate|imparipinnate]])
| rowspan="2" | [[File:Leaf morphology even pinnate.png|100px]] || [[wikt:paripinnate|{{vanchor|paripinnate}}]] || || rowspan="2" | Pinnate with an [[Parity (mathematics)|even number]] of leaflets, lacking a terminal leaflet (the opposite of [[#imparipinnate|imparipinnate]])
|-
|-
| even-pinnate ||
| even-pinnate ||
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology Palmately compound.png|64px]] || [[wikt:palmate|{{vanchor|palmately compound}}]] ||''palmatus''|| Consisting of leaflets all radiating from one point
| [[File:Leaf morphology Palmately compound.png|100px]] || [[wikt:palmate|{{vanchor|palmately compound}}]] ||''palmatus''|| Consisting of leaflets all radiating from one point
|-
|-


| || {{anchor|pinnate}} [[wikt:pinnate|pinnately]] compound ||''pinnatus''
| || [[wikt:pinnate|{{vanchor|pinnately compound|pinnate}}]] ||''pinnatus''
| Having two rows of leaflets on opposite sides of a central axis, see [[#imparipinnate|imparipinnate]] and [[#paripinnate|paripinnate]]
| Having two rows of leaflets on opposite sides of a central axis, see [[#imparipinnate|imparipinnate]] and [[#paripinnate|paripinnate]]
|-
|-
|[[File:Leaf morphology Acute.png|64px]] ||{{anchor|simple}} [[simple leaf|simple]] || || Leaf blade in one continuous section, without leaflets (not compound)
|[[File:Leaf morphology Acute.png|100px]] ||{{anchor|simple}} [[simple leaf|simple]] || || Leaf blade in one continuous section, without leaflets (not compound)
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" | [[File:Leaf morphology trifoliolate.png|64px]] || [[wikt:ternate|{{vanchor|ternate}}]] || {{lang|la|ternatus}} || rowspan="3" | With three leaflets
| rowspan="3" | [[File:Leaf morphology trifoliolate.png|100px]] || [[wikt:ternate|{{vanchor|ternate}}]] || {{lang|la|ternatus}} || rowspan="3" | With three leaflets
|-
|-
| [[wikt:trifoliate|{{vanchor|trifoliate}}]]
| [[wikt:trifoliate|{{vanchor|trifoliate}}]]
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| {{lang|la|trifoliolatus}}
| {{lang|la|trifoliolatus}}
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology tripinnate.png|64px]] || [[wikt:tripinnate|{{vanchor|tripinnate}}]] || {{lang|la|tripinnatus}} || Pinnately compound in which each leaflet is itself bipinnate
| [[File:Leaf morphology tripinnate.png|100px]] || [[wikt:tripinnate|{{vanchor|tripinnate}}]] || {{lang|la|tripinnatus}} || Pinnately compound in which each leaflet is itself bipinnate
|}
|}


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[[File:Cilantro leaf.jpg|thumb|right|Oddly pinnate, pinnatifid leaves (''Coriandrum sativum'', [[coriander]] or cilantro)]]
[[File:Cilantro leaf.jpg|thumb|right|Oddly pinnate, pinnatifid leaves (''Coriandrum sativum'', [[coriander]] or cilantro)]]
[[File:Hibiscus mutabilis 5.JPG|thumb|Partial [[chlorosis]] revealing palmate [[Leaf#Venation|venation]] in simple leaves of ''[[Hibiscus mutabilis]]'']]
[[File:Hibiscus mutabilis 5.JPG|thumb|Partial [[chlorosis]] revealing palmate [[Leaf#Venation|venation]] in simple leaves of ''[[Hibiscus mutabilis]]'']]
{| 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
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology acicular.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|acicular}} || {{lang|la|acicularis}} || entire leaf || Slender and pointed, needle-like.
| [[File:Leaf morphology acicular.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|acicular}} || {{lang|la|acicularis}} || whole leaf || Slender and pointed, needle-like
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology acuminate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|acuminate}} || {{lang|la|acuminatus}} || leaf tip || Tapering to a long point in a concave manner.
| [[File:Leaf morphology acuminate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|acuminate}} || {{lang|la|acuminatus}} || leaf tip || Tapering to a long point in a concave manner
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology Acute.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|acute}} || || leaf tip or base || Pointed, having a short sharp apex angled less than 90°.
| [[File:Leaf morphology Acute.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|acute}} || || leaf tip or base || Pointed, having a short sharp apex angled less than 90°
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology Apiculate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|apiculate}} || {{Lang|la|apiculatus}} || leaf tip || Tapering and ending in a short, slender point.
| [[File:Leaf morphology Apiculate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|apiculate}} || {{Lang|la|apiculatus}} || leaf tip || Tapering and ending in a short, slender point
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology aristate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|aristate}} || {{lang|la|aristatus}} || leaf tip || Ending in a stiff, bristle-like point.
| [[File:Leaf morphology aristate.png|100px]] || {{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
⚫
| [[File:Leaf morphology Attenuate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|attenuate}} ||''attenuatus''
| leaf base || Having leaf tissue taper down the petiole to a narrow base, always having some leaf material on each side of the petiole.
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology base auriculate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|auriculate}} ||''auriculatus''
| [[File:Leaf morphology Attenuate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|attenuate}} || {{lang|la|attenuatus}}
| leaf base || Having ear-shaped appendages reaching beyond the attachment to the petiole or to the stem (in case of a seated leaf).
| 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
|-
|-
⚫
| [[File:Leaf morphology base auriculate (cropped).png|100px]] || {{vanchor|auriculate}} || {{lang|la|auriculatus}}
⚫
| || {{vanchor|asymmetrical}} || || entire leaf || With the blade shape different on each side of the midrib.
| leaf base || Having ear-shaped appendages reaching beyond the attachment to the petiole or stem (in case of a seated leaf)
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology Caudate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|caudate }} ||''caudatus''|| leaf tip || Tailed at the apex.
| [[File:Leaf morphology Caudate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|caudate}} || {{lang|la|caudatus}} || leaf tip || Tailed at the apex
|-
|-
| || {{vanchor|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). '''ecirrate''': without a cirrus.
| || {{vanchor|cirrus}}, {{vanchor|cirrate}} || || leaf tip || Having a [[Rachis (botany)|rachis]] that extends beyond the leaf blade or leaflets into a long whip-like extension or cirrus (common in climbing palms); antonym: ''[[#ecirrate|ecirrate]]''
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology cordate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|cordate}}, {{vanchor|cordiform}} || {{lang|la|cordatus}} || entire leaf || [[Heart (symbol)|Heart]]-shaped, with the petiole or stem attached to the notch.
| [[File:Leaf morphology cordate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|cordate}}, {{vanchor|cordiform}} || {{lang|la|cordatus}} || whole leaf or base|| [[Heart (symbol)|Heart]]-shaped, with the petiole or stem attached to the notch
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology cuneate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|cuneate}} || {{lang|la|cuneatus}} || leaf base || Triangular, wedge-shaped, stem attaches to point.
| [[File:Leaf morphology cuneate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|cuneate}} || {{lang|la|cuneatus}} || leaf base || Triangular, wedge-shaped, stem attaches to point
|-
|-
| [[File:Handdrawn Cuspidate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|cuspidate}} ||''cuspidatus''|| leaf tip || With a sharp, elongated, rigid tip; tipped with a cusp.
| || {{vanchor|cuneiform}} || || whole leaf || Narrowly triangular, widest on the opposite end from the stem, with the corners at that end rounded
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology deltoid.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|deltoid}}, {{vanchor|deltate}} || {{lang|la|deltoideus}} || entire leaf || Shaped like Greek letter [[delta (letter)|Delta]], triangular, stem attaches to side.
| [[File:Handdrawn Cuspidate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|cuspidate}} || {{lang|la|cuspidatus}} || leaf tip || With a sharp, elongated, rigid tip; tipped with a cusp
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology digitate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|digitate}} || {{lang|la|digitatus}} || entire leaf || With finger-like lobes, similar to [[#palmate|palmate]].<ref>Also used to describe compound leaves with finger-like leaflets.</ref>
| [[File:Leaf morphology deltoid.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|deltoid}}, {{vanchor|deltate}} || {{lang|la|deltoideus}} || whole leaf || Shaped like the Greek letter ''[[Delta (letter)|delta]]''; triangular with stem attached to side
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology elliptic.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|elliptic}} || {{lang|la|ellipticus}} || entire leaf || Oval, with a short or no point.
| [[File:Leaf morphology digitate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|digitate}} || {{lang|la|digitatus}} || whole leaf || A palmately compound leaf with leaflets, similar to [[#palmate|palmate]]<ref>Index of Garden Plants, Mark Griffiths, Timber Press, 1992</ref>
|-
|-
| || {{vanchor|ecirrate}} || || leaf tip || Without a [[#cirrus|cirrus]]; antonym: ''[[#cirrate|cirrate]]''
| [[File:Leaf_morphology_ensiforme.PNG|64px]] || {{vanchor|ensiform}} || {{lang|la|ensiformis}} || entire leaf || Shaped like a sword, long and narrow with a sharp pointed tip.
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology apex emarginate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|emarginate}} ||''emarginatus''
| [[File:Leaf morphology elliptic.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|elliptic}} || {{lang|la|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
⚫
| leaf tip || Slightly indented at the tip.
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology falcate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|falcate}} || {{lang|la|falcatus}} || entire leaf || [[Sickle]]-shaped.
| [[File:Leaf morphology apex emarginate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|emarginate}} || {{lang|la|emarginatus}}
⚫
| leaf tip || Slightly indented at the tip
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology Fenestrate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|fenestrate}}|| {{lang|la|fenestratus}} || leaf surface features || Large openings through the leaf, see [[#perforate|perforate]]. Sometimes use to describes leaf [[epidermal window]]s.
| [[File:Leaf_morphology_ensiforme.PNG|100px]] || {{vanchor|ensiform}} || {{lang|la|ensiformis}} || whole leaf || Shaped like a sword; long and narrow with a sharp pointed tip
|-
|-
| [[File:Plant morphology solid filiform.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|filiform}} || {{lang|la|filiformis}} || entire leaf || Thread- or filament-shaped.
| [[File:Leaf morphology falcate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|falcate}} || {{lang|la|falcatus}} || whole leaf || [[Sickle]]-shaped
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology flabelate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|flabellate}} || {{lang|la|flabellatus}} || entire leaf || Semi-circular, or fan-like.
| [[File:Leaf morphology Fenestrate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|fenestrate}}|| {{lang|la|fenestratus}} || leaf surface features || Large openings through the leaf; see [[#perforate|perforate]]; sometimes used to describe leaf [[epidermal window]]s
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology hastate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|hastate}} || {{lang|la|hastatus}} || entire leaf || Spear-shaped: Pointed, with barbs, shaped like a spear point, with flaring pointed lobes at the base.
| [[File:Plant morphology solid filiform.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|filiform}} || {{lang|la|filiformis}} || whole leaf || Thread- or filament-shaped
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology division laciniate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|laciniate}} ||''lacinatus''
| [[File:Leaf morphology flabelate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|flabellate}} || {{lang|la|flabellatus}} || whole leaf || Semi-circular or fan-like
⚫
| entire leaf || Very deeply lobed, the lobes being very drawn out, often making the leaf look somewhat like a branch or a pitchfork.
|-
|-
⚫
| [[File:Leaf morphology hastate.png|100px]] || {{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|laminar}} || ||3-d shape || Flat (like most leaves)
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology lanceolate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|lanceolate}} || {{lang|la|lanceolatus}} || entire leaf || Long, wider in the middle, shaped like a [[lance]] tip.
| [[File:Leaf morphology division laciniate.png|100px]] || {{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
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology linear.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|linear}} || {{lang|la|linearis}} || entire leaf || Long and very narrow like a blade of grass.
| || {{vanchor|laminar}} || ||3-D shape || Flat (like most leaves)
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology lobed.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|lobed}} || {{lang|la|lobatus}} || entire leaf || Being divided by clefts, may be pinnately lobed or palmately lobed.
| [[File:Leaf morphology lanceolate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|lanceolate}} || {{lang|la|lanceolatus}} || whole leaf || Long, wider in the middle, shaped like a [[lance]] tip
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology Lorate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|lorate}} || {{lang|la|loratus}} || entire leaf || Having the form of a thong or strap.
| [[File:Leaf morphology linear.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|linear}} || {{lang|la|linearis}} || whole leaf || Long and very narrow like a blade of grass
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology Lyrate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|lyrate}} || {{lang|la|lyratus}} || entire leaf || Shaped like a [[lyre]], pinnately lobed leaf with an enlarged terminal lobe and smaller lateral lobes. {{See also|List of lyrate plants}}
| [[File:Leaf morphology lobed.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|lobed}} || {{lang|la|lobatus}} || whole leaf || Being divided by clefts; may be [[#pinnately|pinnately lobed]] or [[#palmately lobed|palmately lobed]]
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology Mucronate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|mucronate }} ||''mucronatus''
| [[File:Leaf morphology Lorate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|lorate}} || {{lang|la|loratus}} || whole leaf || Having the form of a thong or strap
⚫
| leaf tip || Ending abruptly in a small sharp point as a continuation of the midrib.<ref>[http://www.answers.com/main/ntquery?s=Mucronate&gwp=13 Mucronate], Answers.com, from Roget's Thesaurus.</ref>
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology multifide.svg|64px]] || {{vanchor|multifid}} || {{lang|la|multi}} + {{lang|la|findere}} || entire leaf || Cleft into many parts or lobes.
| [[File:Leaf morphology Lyrate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|lyrate}} || {{lang|la|lyratus}} || whole leaf || Shaped like a [[lyre]], [[#pinnately lobed|pinnately lobed]] leaf with an enlarged terminal lobe and smaller lateral lobes. ''See also [[List of lyrate plants]]''.
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology obcordate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|obcordate}} || {{lang|la|obcordatus}} || entire leaf || [[Heart (symbol)|Heart]]-shaped, stem attaches at the tapering end.
| [[File:Leaf morphology Mucronate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|mucronate}} ||''mucronatus''
⚫
| leaf tip || Ending abruptly in a small sharp point as a continuation of the midrib<ref>[http://www.answers.com/main/ntquery?s=Mucronate&gwp=13 Mucronate] {{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>
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology oblanceolate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|oblanceolate}} || {{lang|la|oblanceolatus}} || entire leaf || Much longer than wide and with the widest portion near the tip, reversed lanceolate.
| [[File:Leaf morphology multifide.svg|100px]] || {{vanchor|multifid}} || {{lang|la|multi}} + {{lang|la|findere}} || whole leaf || Cleft into many parts or lobes
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology oblique.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|oblique}} || || leaf base || Asymmetrical leaf base, with one side lower than the other
| [[File:Leaf morphology obcordate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|obcordate}} || {{lang|la|obcordatus}} || whole leaf || [[Heart (symbol)|Heart]]-shaped, stem attaches at the tapering end
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology oblong.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|oblong}} || {{lang|la|oblongus}} || entire leaf || Having an elongated form with slightly parallel sides, roughly rectangular.
| [[File:Leaf morphology oblanceolate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|oblanceolate}} || {{lang|la|oblanceolatus}} || whole leaf || Much longer than wide and with the widest portion near the tip; reversed lanceolate
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology obovate.png|72px]] || {{vanchor|obovate}} || {{lang|la|obovatus}} || entire leaf || Teardrop-shaped, stem attaches to the tapering end; reversed ovate.
| [[File:Leaf morphology oblique.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|oblique}} || || leaf base || Asymmetrical leaf base, with one side lower than the other
|-
|-
⚫
| [[File:Leaf morphology oblong.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|oblong}} || {{lang|la|oblongus}} || whole leaf || Having an elongated form with slightly parallel sides; roughly rectangular
⚫
| || obtrullate || || entire leaf || Reversed trullate, the longer sides meet at the base rather than the apex.
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology obtuse.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|obtuse}} || {{lang|la|obtusus}} || leaf tip || Blunt, forming an angle > 90°.
| [[File:Leaf morphology obovate.png|72px]] || {{vanchor|obovate}} || {{lang|la|obovatus}} || whole leaf || Teardrop-shaped, stem attaches to the tapering end; reversed ovate
|-
|-
⚫
| || {{vanchor|obtrullate}} || || whole leaf || Reversed trullate; the longer sides meet at the base rather than the apex.
⚫
| [[File:Leaf morphology orbicular.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|orbicular}} || {{lang|la|orbicularis}} || entire leaf || Circular.
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology ovale.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|ovate}} || {{lang|la|ovatus}} || entire leaf || Oval, egg-shaped, with a tapering point and the widest portion near the petiole.
| [[File:Leaf morphology obtuse.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|obtuse}} || {{lang|la|obtusus}} || leaf tip or base || Blunt, forming an angle > 90°
|-
|-
⚫
| [[File:Leaf morphology orbicular.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|orbicular}} || {{lang|la|orbicularis}} || whole leaf || Circular
⚫
| [[File:Leaf morphology palmate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|palmate}} || {{lang|la|palmatus}} || entire 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) | work = GardenWeb Glossary of Botanical Terms | access-date = 2008-10-19 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090213124631/http://glossary.gardenweb.com/glossary/palmate.html | archive-date = 2009-02-13 | url-status = dead }}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology ovale.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|ovate}} || {{lang|la|ovatus}} || whole leaf || Egg-shaped, with a tapering point and the widest portion near the petiole
⚫
| [[Image:Palmatilobé.svg|64px]] || {{vanchor|palmately lobed}} || {{lang|la|palmatus}} || entire leaf || Lobes spread radially from a point. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cs.rochester.edu/~nelson/wildflowers/glossaries/leaves/index.html#lobed|title=Leaf description glossary|website=www.cs.rochester.edu|access-date=2017-11-02}}</ref>
|-
|-
⚫
| [[File:Leaf morphology palmate.png|100px]] || {{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 -->
⚫
| [[Image:Palmatifide.svg|64px]] || {{vanchor|palmatifid }} || {{lang|la|palma}} + {{lang|la|findere}} || entire leaf || Palm-shaped, having lobes with incisions that extend less than half-way toward the petiole.
|-
|-
⚫
| [[Image:Palmatilobé.svg|100px]] || {{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 -->
| [[Image:Palmatipartite.svg|64px]] || {{vanchor|palmatipartite}} || {{lang|la|palma}} + {{lang|la|partiri}} || entire leaf || Having palmate lobes with incisions that extend over half-way toward the petiole.
|-
|-
| [[Image:Palmatiséquée.svg|64px]] || {{vanchor|palmatisect}} || {{lang|la|palma}} + {{lang|la|secare}} || entire leaf || Having palmate lobes with incisions that extend almost up, but not quite to the petiole.
| [[Image:Palmatifide.svg|100px]] || {{vanchor|palmatifid}} || {{lang|la|palma}} + {{lang|la|findere}} || whole leaf || Palm-shaped, having lobes with incisions that extend less than halfway toward the petiole
|-
|-
⚫
| [[Image:Palmatipartite.svg|100px]] || {{vanchor|palmatipartite}} || {{lang|la|palma}} + {{lang|la|partiri}} || whole leaf || Having palmate lobes with incisions that extend over halfway toward the petiole
| [[Image:Leaf morphology pandurate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|pandurate }} ||''panduratus''
⚫
| entire leaf || Fiddle-shaped; obovate with a constriction near the middle.
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology pedate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|pedate }} || {{lang|la|pedatus}} || entire leaf || Palmate, with cleft lobes.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pedate+leaf | title=Pedate leaf | access-date=February 24, 2014}}</ref>
| [[Image:Palmatiséquée.svg|100px]] || {{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.
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology peltate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|peltate}} || {{lang|la|peltatus}} || stem attachment || A round leaf where the petiole attaches near the center. An example would be a [[Nelumbo|lotus]] leaf.
| [[Image:Leaf morphology pandurate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|pandurate}} ||''panduratus''
⚫
| whole leaf || Fiddle-shaped; obovate with a constriction near the middle.
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology attachment connate-perfoliate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|perfoliate}} || {{lang|la|perfoliatus}} || stem attachment || With the leaf blade surrounding the stem such that the stem appears to pass through the leaf.
| [[File:Leaf morphology pedate.png|100px]] || {{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>
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology Perforate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|perforate}} || {{lang|la|perforatus}} || leaf surface features
| [[File:Leaf morphology peltate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|peltate}} || {{lang|la|peltatus}} || stem attachment || A round leaf where the petiole attaches near the center, e.g. a [[Nelumbo|lotus]] leaf
⚫
| Many holes, or [[perforate leaf|perforations]] on leaf surface. Compare with [[#fenestrate|fenestrate]].
|-
|-
| [[File:Pennatilobé.svg|64px]] || {{vanchor|pinnately }}lobed || {{lang|la|pinna}} + {{lang|la|lobus}} || entire leaf || Having lobes pinnately arranged on the central axis.
| [[File:Leaf morphology attachment connate-perfoliate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|perfoliate}} || {{lang|la|perfoliatus}} || stem attachment || With the leaf blade surrounding the stem such that the stem appears to pass through the leaf
|-
|-
| [[File:Pennatifide.svg|64px]] || {{vanchor|pinnatifid }} || {{lang|la|pinna}} + {{lang|la|findere}} || entire leaf || Having lobes with incisions that extend less than half-way toward the midrib.
| [[File:Leaf morphology Perforate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|perforate}} || {{lang|la|perforatus}} || leaf surface features
⚫
| Many holes, or [[perforate leaf|perforations]], on leaf surface. Compare with [[#fenestrate|fenestrate]].
|-
|-
| [[Image:Pennatipartite2.svg|64px]] || {{vanchor|pinnatipartite}} || {{lang|la|pinnatus}} + {{lang|la|partiri}} || entire leaf || Having lobes with incisions that extend more than half-way toward the midrib.
| [[File:Pennatilobé.svg|100px]] || {{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
|-
|-
| [[Image:Pennatiséquée.svg|64px]] || {{vanchor|pinnatisect }} || {{lang|la|pinnatus}} + {{lang|la|sectus}} || entire leaf || Having lobes with incisions that extend almost, or up to midrib.
| [[File:Pennatifide.svg|100px]] || {{vanchor|pinnatifid}} || {{lang|la|pinna}} + {{lang|la|findere}} || whole leaf || Having lobes with incisions that extend less than halfway to the midrib
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology posture plicate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|plicate}} || {{lang|la|plicatus}} || 3-d shape || Folded into [[Wiktionary:pleat|pleats]], usually lengthwise, serving the function of stiffening a large leaf.
| [[Image:Pennatipartite2.svg|100px]] || {{vanchor|pinnatipartite}} || {{lang|la|pinnatus}} + {{lang|la|partiri}} || whole leaf || Having lobes with incisions that extend more than halfway to the midrib
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology reniform.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|reniform}} || {{lang|la|reniformis}} || entire leaf || Shaped like a [[kidney]]: an oval with an inward curve on one side.
| [[Image:Pennatiséquée.svg|100px]] || {{vanchor|pinnatisect}} || {{lang|la|pinnatus}} + {{lang|la|sectus}} || whole leaf || Having lobes with incisions that extend almost to, or up to, the midrib
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology apex retuse.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|retuse }} || || leaf tip || With a shallow notch in a round apex.
| [[File:Leaf morphology posture plicate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|plicate}} || {{lang|la|plicatus}} || 3-D shape || Folded into [[Wiktionary:pleat|pleats]], usually lengthwise, serving the function of stiffening a large leaf
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology rhomboid.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|rhomboid}}, {{vanchor|rhombic}} || {{lang|la|rhomboidalis}} || entire leaf || Diamond-shaped.
| [[File:Leaf morphology reniform.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|reniform}} || {{lang|la|reniformis}} || whole leaf || Shaped like a [[kidney]], with an inward curve on one side
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology apex rounded.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|rounded}} || {{lang|la|rotundifolius}} || leaf tip or base || Circular, no distinct point.
| [[File:Leaf morphology apex retuse.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|retuse}} || || leaf tip || With a shallow notch in a round apex
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology rhomboid.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|rhomboid}}, {{vanchor|rhombic}} || {{lang|la|rhomboidalis}} || whole leaf || Diamond-shaped
⚫
| || semiterete || || 3-d shape || Rounded on one side, but flat on the other.
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology division sinuate.png|64px]]|| {{vanchor|sinuate|[[]]}} ||''sinuatus''
| [[File:Leaf morphology apex rounded.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|rounded}} || {{lang|la|rotundifolius}} || leaf tip or base || Circular, no distinct point
⚫
| 3-d shape || Circularly-lobed kind of leaves
|-
|-
⚫
| || semiterete || || 3-D shape || Rounded on one side and flat on the other

⚫
| [[File:Leaf morphology spear-shaped.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|sagittate}} || {{lang|la|sagittatus}} || entire leaf || [[Arrowhead]]-shaped with the lower lobes folded, or curled downward
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology spatulate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|spatulate}} || {{lang|la|spathulatus}} || entire leaf || Spoon-shaped; having a broad flat end which tapers to the base
| [[File:Leaf morphology division sinuate.png|100px]]|| {{vanchor|sinuate}} || {{lang|la|sinuatus}}
⚫
| 3-D shape || Circularly-lobed leaves
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology hastate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|spear}}-shaped ||''hastatus''
| [[File:Leaf morphology spear-shaped.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|sagittate}} || {{lang|la|sagittatus}} || whole leaf || [[Arrowhead]]-shaped with the lower lobes folded, or curled downward
⚫
| entire leaf || see [[#hastate|hastate]].
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology subobtuse.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|subobtuse}} || {{lang|la|subobtusus}} || leaf tip or base || Somewhat blunted, neither blunt nor sharp
| [[File:Leaf morphology spatulate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|spatulate}} || {{lang|la|spathulatus}} || whole leaf || Spoon-shaped; having a broad flat end which tapers to the base
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology subulate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|subulate}} || {{lang|la|subulatus}} || leaf tip || [[Bradawl|Awl]]-shaped with a tapering point
| [[File:Leaf morphology hastate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|spear}}-shaped || {{lang|la|hastatus}}
⚫
| whole leaf || See [[#hastate|hastate]].
|-
|-
| [[File:Plant morphology solid terete.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|[[terete]]}} || || 3-d shape || Circular in cross-section; more or less cylindrical without grooves or ridges.
| [[File:Leaf morphology subobtuse.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|subobtuse}} || {{lang|la|subobtusus}} || leaf tip or base || Somewhat blunted; neither blunt nor sharp
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology trullate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|trullate }} || || entire leaf || Shaped like a bricklayer's trowel
| [[File:Leaf morphology subulate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|subulate}} || {{lang|la|subulatus}} || leaf tip || [[Bradawl|Awl]]-shaped with a tapering point
|-
|-
| [[File:Plant morphology solid terete.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|[[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]].
⚫
| [[File:Leaf morphology truncate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|truncate}} || {{lang|la|truncatus}} || leaf tip or base || With a squared-off end
|-
|-
| || {{vanchor|undulate}} || {{lang|la|undulatus}} || 3-d shape || Wave-like
| [[File:Leaf morphology trullate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|trullate}} || || whole leaf || Shaped like a [[masonry trowel]]
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology unifoliate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|unifoliate}} || {{lang|la|unifoliatus}} || compound leaves || With a single leaflet. It is distinct from a simple leaf by the presence of two [[abcission layer]]s and often by [[petiolule]]s and [[stipel]]s
| [[File:Leaf morphology truncate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|truncate}} || {{lang|la|truncatus}} || leaf tip or base || With a squared-off end
⚫
|-
⚫
| || {{vanchor|undulate}} || {{lang|la|undulatus}} || 3-D shape || Wave-like
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology unifoliate.png|100px]] || {{vanchor|unifoliate}} || {{lang|la|unifoliatus}} || compound leaves || With a single leaflet; it is distinct from a simple leaf by the presence of two [[Abscission (botany)|abscission layers]] and often by [[petiolule]]s and [[stipel]]s.
|}
|}


== Edge ==
== 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.
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
! scope="col" | Term
! scope="col" | Term
! scope="col" | Latin adjective
! scope="col" | Latin
! scope="col" | Description
! scope="col" | Description
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology entire.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|entire}} || ''Forma''<br />''integra'' || Even; with a smooth margin; without toothing
|[[file:Leaf morphology entire.png|100px]]||{{anchor|Entire}}{{anchor|entire}}entire||''Forma''<br />''integra''||Even; with a smooth margin; without toothing
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology ciliate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|ciliate}} || ''ciliatus'' || Fringed with hairs
|[[file:Leaf morphology ciliate.png|100px]]||{{anchor|Ciliate}}{{anchor|ciliate}}ciliate||''ciliatus''||Fringed with hairs
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology crenate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|crenate}} || ''crenatus'' || Wavy-toothed; dentate with rounded teeth
|[[file:Leaf morphology crenate.png|100px]]||{{anchor|Crenate}}{{anchor|crenate}}crenate||''crenatus''||Wavy-toothed; dentate with rounded teeth
|-
|-
| || |{{vanchor|crenulate}} || ''crenulate'' || Finely crenate
| || |{{anchor|Crenulate}}{{anchor|crenulate}}crenulate || ''crenulatus'' || Finely crenate
|-
|-
| || |{{vanchor|crisped}} || ''crispus'' || curly
| || |{{anchor|Crisped}}{{anchor|crisped}}crisped || ''crispus'' || Curly
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology dentate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|dentate}} || ''dentatus'' || Toothed. May be '''coarsely dentate''', having large teeth, or '''glandular dentate''', having teeth which bear glands
|[[file:Leaf morphology dentate.png|100px]]||{{anchor|Dentate}}{{anchor|dentate}}dentate||''dentatus''||Toothed;
may be {{anchor|coarsely dentate}}'''coarsely dentate''', having large teeth
or {{anchor|glandular dentate}}'''glandular dentate''', having teeth which bear glands
⚫
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology denticulate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|denticulate}} || ''denticulatus'' || Finely toothed
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology doubly serrate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|doubly serrate}} || ''duplicato-dentatus'' || Each tooth bearing smaller teeth
|[[file:Leaf morphology denticulate.png|100px]]||{{anchor|Denticulate}}{{anchor|denticulate}}denticulate||''denticulatus''||Finely toothed
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology serrate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|serrate}} || ''serratus'' || Saw-toothed; with asymmetrical teeth pointing forward
|[[file:Leaf morphology doubly serrate.png|100px]]||{{anchor|Doubly serrate}}{{anchor|doubly serrate}}doubly serrate||''duplicato-dentatus''||Each tooth bearing smaller teeth
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology serrulate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|serrulate}} || ''serrulatus'' || Finely serrate
|[[file:Leaf morphology serrate.png|100px]]||{{anchor|Serrate}}{{anchor|serrate}}serrate||''serratus''||Saw-toothed; with asymmetrical teeth pointing forward
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology sinuate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|sinuate}} || ''sinuosus'' || With deep, wave-like indentations; coarsely crenate
|[[file:Leaf morphology serrulate.png|100px]]||{{anchor|Serrulate}}{{anchor|serrulate}}serrulate||''serrulatus''||Finely serrate
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology lobate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|lobate}} || ''lobatus'' || Indented, with the indentations not reaching the center
|[[file:Leaf morphology sinuate.png|100px]]||{{anchor|Sinuate}}{{anchor|sinuate}}sinuate||''sinuosus''||With deep, wave-like indentations; coarsely crenate
|-
|-
|[[file:Leaf morphology lobate.png|100px]]||{{anchor|Lobate}}{{anchor|lobate}}lobate||''lobatus''||Indented, with the indentations not reaching the center
| || |{{vanchor|lobulate}} || ''lobulatus'' || With small lobes
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology undulate.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|undulate}} || ''undulatus'' || With a wavy edge, shallower than sinuate
|[[file:Leaf morphology undulate.png|100px]]||{{anchor|Undulate}}{{anchor|undulate}}undulate||''undulatus''||With a wavy edge, shallower than sinuate
|-
|-
| [[File:Leaf morphology spiny.png|64px]] || {{vanchor|spiny}} or {{vanchor|pungent}} || ''spiculatus'' || With stiff, sharp points such as [[thistle]]s
|[[file:Leaf morphology spiny.png|100px]]||{{anchor|Spiny}}{{anchor|spiny}}spiny or {{anchor|pungent}}pungent||''spiculatus''||With stiff, sharp points such as [[thistle]]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 [[vernation]], [[wikt:ptyxis|ptyxis]] 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 [[vernation]], [[wikt:ptyxis|ptyxis]] 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 271: Line 277:
! scope="col" | Description
! scope="col" | Description
|-
|-
| | || {{vanchor|carinate}} or keeled || ''carinatus'' || with a longitudinal ridge
| | || {{vanchor|carinate}} or keeled || ''carinatus'' || With a longitudinal ridge, [[keel]]-shaped
|-
|-
| | || {{vanchor|conduplicate}} || || folded upwards, with the surfaces close to parallel
| [[File:Peperomia dolabriformis.jpg|100px]] || {{vanchor|conduplicate}} || || Folded upwards, with the surfaces close to parallel
|-
|-
| |[[File:Mimetes fimbrifolius (5211424654).jpg|64px]] || {{vanchor|cucullate}} || || forming a hood, margins and tip curved downward
| |[[File:Mimetes fimbrifolius (5211424654).jpg|100px]] || {{vanchor|cucullate}} || || Forming a hood, margins and tip curved downward
|-
|-
| |[[File:Involute_vernation.jpg|64px]] || {{vanchor|involute}} || || rolled upwards (towards the adaxial surface)
| |[[File:Involute_vernation.jpg|100px]] || {{vanchor|involute}} || || Rolled upwards (towards the adaxial surface)
|-
|-
| [[File:Palm leaf washingtonia robusta.jpg|64px]] || {{vanchor|plicate}} || ''plicatus'' || with parallel folds
| [[File:Palm leaf washingtonia robusta.jpg|100px]] || {{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
|-
|-
| [[File:Ledum groenlandicum.jpg|64px]] || {{vanchor|revolute}} || || rolled downwards (towards the abaxial surface)
| [[File:Ledum groenlandicum.jpg|100px]] || {{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 325: Line 331:
{{commons|Category:Leaf diagrams|position=left}}
{{commons|Category:Leaf diagrams|position=left}}


[[Category:Glossaries of botany]]
[[Category:Glossaries of botany|Leaf morphology]]
[[Category:Plant morphology]]
[[Category:Plant morphology]]
[[Category:Leaves]]
[[Category:Leaves]]
[[Category:Wikipedia glossaries using tables]]

Latest revision as of 19:07, 1 March 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 (a single leaf blade or lamina) or compound (with several leaflets). 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 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

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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 leaflets. In flowering plants, as well as the blade of the leaf, there may be a petiole and stipules; compound leaves may have a rachis supporting the leaflets. Leaf structure is described by several terms that include:[citation needed]

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[1]
geminate
jugate
bigeminate Having two leaflets, each leaflet being bifoliolate
bipinnate bipinnatus The leaflets are themselves pinnately-compound; twice pinnate
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
pinnately compound pinnatus Having two rows of leaflets on opposite sides of a central axis, see imparipinnate and paripinnate
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

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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[2]
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[3]
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[4]
palmately lobed palmatus whole leaf Lobes spread radially from a point[5]
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[6]
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
plicate plicatus 3-D shape Folded into pleats, usually lengthwise, serving the function of stiffening a large leaf
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
sinuate sinuatus 3-D shape Circularly-lobed leaves
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

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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

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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

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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'.[7]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Radford, A.E.; Dickison, W.C.; Massey, J.R.; Bell, C.R. (1976). "Phytography - Morphological Evidence". Vascular Plant Systematics. Harper and Row, New York.
  2. ^ Index of Garden Plants, Mark Griffiths, Timber Press, 1992
  3. ^ Mucronate Archived 2016-03-03 at the Wayback Machine, Answers.com, from Roget's Thesaurus.
  4. ^ "palmate (adj. palmately)". GardenWeb Glossary of Botanical Terms. iVillage GardenWeb. 2006. Archived from the original on 13 February 2009. Retrieved 19 October 2008.
  5. ^ Nelson, Randal C. (2009) [2012]. "Leaf description glossary". University of Rochester. Archived from the original on 1 August 2020. Retrieved 2 November 2017.
  6. ^ "Pedate leaf". Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  7. ^ Stearn (2004), pp. 439–440.

Bibliography

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Category:Leaf margins.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Category:Leaf diagrams.
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