Leaves are crucial for the survival and growth of plants. They carry out photosynthesis, the process that converts sunlight into energy, and are typically attached to the stem at specific points called nodes. Leaves originate from the shoot apical meristems, and branches sprout from the axillary bud located in the leaf's axil.
Compound Leaf Types and Characteristics - Testbook.com
Last Updated on Jul 31, 2023
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Classification of Leaves
The structure of the leaf, particularly the lamina or leaf blade, determines its classification. Leaves can be broadly divided into two types:
- Simple Leaves – A simple leaf has a single, undivided lamina, like that of a mango leaf. Even if the lamina has incisions, they do not extend to the midrib, which is the case in oak leaves. Simple leaves do not contain leaflets.
- Compound Leaves – A compound leaf is characterized by a lamina that is divided into several smaller leaflets.
Let's delve deeper into the fascinating world of compound leaves.
Subcategories of Compound Leaves
Compound leaves are fascinating structures where the lamina is split into multiple leaflets. This incision extends to the midrib, dividing the leaf into several leaflets. It's crucial to note that unlike leaves, leaflets do not have buds in their axils. Axillary buds can be found in the petiole of both simple and compound leaves, but not in leaflets.
Compound leaves can be further divided into two types:
- Pinnately Compound Leaves – In pinnately compound leaves, the leaflets are arranged along a common axis, known as the rachis, which represents the midrib. These leaflets might have their own stalks, as seen in rose leaves.
- Palmately Compound Leaves – Palmately compound leaves are characterized by leaflets that are attached at a common point, which is the tip of the petiole. A classic example of this type is the horse chestnut leaf.
Pinnately compound leaves can be unipinnate, bipinnate, tripinnate, and so on.
In bipinnate compound leaves, the primary rachis branches out, and leaflets are present on secondary rachis.
Palmately compound leaves can be unifoliate, bifoliate, trifoliate, and so on, depending on the number of leaflets.
This provides a brief overview of Compound Leaves. Continue exploring related topics for NEET with us.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of leaves?
Leaves are of two main types based on the division of lamina: Simple Leaves and Compound Leaves.
What are compound leaves?
When the lamina of a leaf is divided into multiple leaflets, it is called compound leaves. The incision of lamina reaches till midrib and divides into multiple leaflets.
What are the types of compound leaves?
Compound leaves are of two types: Pinnately Compound Leaves and Palmately compound leaves.
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