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
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