What is a Simple Leaf

A leaf that has a single, undivided lamina is called a simple leaf. Unlike a compound leaf, the lamina of a simple leaf never gets divided into smaller leaflets.

Characteristics

A simple leaf shows the following characteristics:

  • Directly attached to a twig by its stem or the petiole.
  • Lateral buds are present at the base of the petiole.
  • Margins or edges can be smooth, jagged, lobed, or parted. However, the partings never reach the midrib.
Simple Leaf - 1

Simple Leaf

Examples

Leaves of maple, oaks, banana, guava, mango, black cherry, black gum, and sweet gum are examples of simple leaves.

  • References Simple leaf – Uwgb.edu Illustrated key of simple-leaved trees – Bioimages.vanderbilt.edu

Article was last reviewed on Thursday, February 2, 2023