Compound leaf

Compound Leaf

A Compound Leaf (pronounced: /ˈkɒmpaʊnd liːf/) is a type of leaf in which the leaf blade is divided, each part forming a leaflet. The leaflets may be arranged along the midrib, either pinnately or palmately.

Etymology

The term "Compound Leaf" originates from the Latin words 'com' meaning 'together' and 'pound' meaning 'to strike or beat', referring to the leaflets that are struck together to form a single leaf.

Types of Compound Leaves

There are three main types of compound leaves:

• Pinnately Compound: The leaflets are arranged along the central axis in a feather-like manner.

• Palmately Compound: The leaflets radiate from a single point at the end of the petiole, similar to fingers spreading out from a palm.

• Bipinnately Compound: The leaflets are arranged on secondary veins that branch from the main central vein.

Related Terms

• Leaflet: A segment of a compound leaf.

• Petiole: The stalk that attaches the leaf blade to the stem.

• Midrib: The central vein of a leaf.

• Vein: The vascular structure in a leaf that provides support and transports both water and food.

• Stem: The main structural part of a plant that supports leaves, flowers, and fruits, and serves as a conduit for water, nutrients, and sugars.

See Also

• Leaf
• Leaf Morphology
• Leaf Anatomy
• Leaf Arrangement

This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.