Among the different parts of shoot system of a plant, the leaf is the essential one. Primarily, leaves have two functions: photosynthesis and transpiration. In some plants, it takes up the responsibility of reproduction also.
Structure and Parts of a Leaf
By structure, a leaf is a thin, flattened structure develops laterally at the node. It is an important part of shoot system and it originates from shoot apical meristems. Generally, leaf base, petiole, and lamina, together form the main parts of a typical leaf.
Leaf Base: This is the part where a leaf attaches to the stem. Leaf base has two small leaf-like structure called stipules. In plants like paddy, wheat, and other monocotyledons, this leaf base is wide and masks the stem.
Petiole: Petiole is the long, thin, stalk that links the leaf blade to the stem.
Lamina: Also known as leaf blade. It is the green, flat surface of the leaves. It consists of small branched vein and veinlets. The vein that runs along the middle of the lamina is called midrib. Midrib divides the surface of the lamina into two. These veins and veinlets give rigidity to the leaf blade and help in transportation of water and other substances.
Parts of a Leaf
Venation
Venation is defined as the arrangement of veins and the veinlets in the leaves. Different plants show different types of venation.
Types of Leaves
When a single lamina is connected to the main stem by a petiole, the leaf is said to be simple. Ex: Guava leaves.
In a compound leaf, the midrib of the leaf is branched into different leaflets and is connected by a single petiole. Ex: Palm leaves.