The
leaves of Sycamore are partly divided into sections called lobes. This shape is called lobed. |
The
leaves of Fatsia japonica are more deeply split than those of Sycamore. The leaf seems to
have fingers which are joined to a central palm. This arrangement is called palmate. |
Horse
Chestnut leaves are also split into fingers but the leaves are completely dissected so
that each finger is a leaflet. This arrangement is called pedate. |
Many
plants have long thin leaves. The narrow pointedshape of these Iris leaves is called
ensiform. |
Fescue
is a grass which is adapted to life in dry places. The leaves are waxy and very thin to
help conserve water. |
Thrift,
or Sea Pink, is another plant adapted for life in very dry places. Its leaves are fine and
waxy and its roots very long and tough. |
The
leaves of Solomons Seal clearly show the parallel veins typical of members of the group of
flowering plants known as monocotyledons. (This group includes grasses, lilies, irises) |
Wygelia
leaves clearly show the branching veins typical of dicotyledons. |
Clematis
leaves are modified to act as tendrils. The petiole of the leaf wraps itself around a
suitable anchoring point. |
Many
plants have leaves which have areas of colour other than green. These patches may be
white, showing a lack of chlorophyll or coloured showing the presence of other pigments.
Leaves like those of the pieris shown here are known as variegated. |