How do scientists Identify Leaves?

Image result for types of leaves
Picture retrieved from: https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/stories/leaves-different-shapes-sizes

 Today in class, I learned that there are many different types of leaves. Because of these different types of leaves there is a set of classifications that are generally used to identify different types of plants.

Each of the leaves begin with a broad-leaf category. This broad category is divided down into alternates of the leaf bud or opposites of the leaf bud. 

Now, let’s break down each of these in the quick notes…

QUICK NOTES:
  • Pinnate leaves are leaves that branch from a stem arranged on each side of the stem that are usually on opposite sides.
  • Twice Pinnate are leaves that branch from a stem and then branch again. Usually on each stem the leaflets are on opposite sides.
  • Trifoliate leaves that have three leaflets that branch out from the stem.

Picture retrieved from: https://woodlandstewards.osu.edu/sites/woodlands/files/d6/files/pubfiles/b899-leaf%20key.pdf


FROM THE ALTERNATE CATEGORY
  • In this category they are broken down into two types.
    • Simple Leaves
      • These are leaves that include one leaflet.
      • This category of simple leaves is broken down even farther into two more categories that include:
        • Broad Leaves
          • Defined as a tree or plant with wide flat leaves.
          • Some examples from this category include:
            • Smooth Redbud
            • Toothed Basswood
            • Toothed Cottonwood
            • Lobed Yellow-Poplar
            • Lobed Sweetgum
        • Longer than Wide Leaves
          • Defined as a tree or plant with longer and skinny leaves.
          • Some examples from this category include:
            • Smooth Blackgum
            • Toothed Beech
            • Toothed Elm
            • Toothed Cherry
            • Lobed Oaks
    • Compound Leaves
      • These are leaves that include multiple leaflets.
        • Some examples from this category include:
          • Pinnate Walnut
          • Pinnate Hickory
          • Twice Pinnate Honey Locust
          • Twice Pinnate Kentucky Coffee Tree
          • Trifoliate Poison-Ivy
FROM THE OPPOSITE CATEGORY
  • In the opposite category it is divided further simple and compound.
    • Simple leaves from the opposite category:
      • Some examples of plants from this category include Lobing Maples and Smooth Dogwood
    • Compound leaves from the opposite category:
      • Some examples of plants from this category include Pinnate Ash and Palmate Buckeye

 Image result for buckeye leaves
Picture retrieved from: http://friendslaarb.org/tree/red-buckeye

Picture retrieved from: https://woodlandstewards.osu.edu/sites/woodlands/files/d6/files/pubfiles/b899-leaf%20key.pdf

Image result for types of leaves
Picture retrieved from: 
https://www.vectorstock.com/royalty-free-vector/different-types-of-leaves-vector-18033397

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