The Leaf Features

The leaves are the flat lateral growth of the stems of the branches, which develop from the nodes and have buds on their axillae. It is usually green in colour and is the primary source of food generation for the entire plant. The leaves in the presence of sunlight, absorb water and carbon dioxide and convert them into carbohydrates with the help of pigment called chlorophyll. The leaves are always extrinsic, following the development of acropetal.

The leaves can be seen in various colors depending on the plastids the plant carries. They may be seen in different sizes and shapes too. The following are the parts of a leaf.

Lamina

The leaf blade is mostly broad and flat and it is also known as the lamina. Photosynthesis takes place at this layer. It has a large midrib in the centre of the leaf blade that serves as the primary vein. The midrib gives birth to veins, which are branches. They differ in terms of the type of edge, the arrangement of the veins, and the number of blades per leaf. Following are the major parts of leaf blade:

Petiole

Petiole can often be seen in the form of a stalk-like structure. It plays an important role in attaching the leaf blade to the stem. The petiole is made up of small tubes that link the veins in the leaf blade to the stem. Few of them transfer water to the leaf, whereas the others move food away from the leaf to other regions of the plant.