different types of leaves

 In this blog we are going to discuss about different types of leaves.See this link also types of grass.

Types of Leaves: -

Leaves are of infinite variety of shapes, sizes, shades of colour, margins and textures of leaves.

There are mainly two types of leaves described below: -

A simple leaf is one which has a single lamina which is not divided into segments. Leaves of mango, guava, papaya and money plant have simple leaves. Even if the lamina is cut in some cases like the prickly poppy or the papaya, the incisions do not reach the mid-rib or the petiole.

A compound leaf like that of a rose has a lamina that is divided into several small segments or leaflets, each attached to the same petiole. The leaflets may be arranged on opposite sides of the petiole like in the rose plant or may arise from a common point at the petiole, like in palms.

The leaves sometimes are modified or changed to perform certain special functions. Let’s learn  some of these.

1) Leaf tendril

Some leaves have structures called tendrils. They are used by the plant for climbing. They attach themselves to a support and help to keep the plant erect and to climb. In vine, the entire leaf is modified into a tendril, but in sweet peas, we find that some of the leaflets at the tip of the compound leaf are modified into tendrils.

2) Leaf spines

In some plants like the cacti or the prickly poppy the leaves become modified into sharp pointed structures called spines. Their function is to protect the plant from grazing animals. In desert plants, the stem takes on the functions of the leaf and the leaves are reduced to spines to prevent loss of water by transpiration.

3) Scale leaves

Sometimes the leaves are thin, dry and membranous. They are called scale leaves. They are protective in function. They are found in ginger, where they protect the buds. Sometimes the scale leaves become thick and fleshy and store food as in onions and garlic.

4) Pitcher-like leaves

Have you ever come across a pitcher plant? It is a carnivorous plant and its leaves have an extraordinary shape, like a pitcher with a lid, and are meant for trapping insects for food. The insects are digested within the pitcher and provide nitrogen to the plant.

 Next time we  will discuss more about this concept.

Also one more thing i would like to say to you that if you want online dictionary than see the given link Learn Dictionary English.

There you will get good help for to find out words meanings.