A flat, thin, and often green plant organ is called a leaf. It remains affixed to the stem and is mainly found above ground.
A leaf typically consists of three primary components:
- The petiole
- The leaf base
- the leaf blade
1. The Petiole
The stalk-like structure is what joins the stem with the leaf blade. The veins on the leaf blade are connected to the stem via small tubes found in the petiole.
Functions
- transferring photosynthetic products from the leaves to the plant interior
- supporting the leaf and keeping it upright
- transfer food away from the leaf to other parts of the plant
- transporting the nutrients and water the roots have absorbed to the leaves
2. The leaf blade
It goes by the name lamina as well. Typically, it is flat and broad. It has a noticeable midrib, which is the primary vein, in the middle of the leaf blade. This midrib has vein-like branches that emerge from it. Depending on the type of edges, the vein pattern, and the quantity of blades per leaf, they come in a variety of forms.
Functions
- Photosynthesis takes place in this layer.
- prepare food from raw materials including water, carbon dioxide, and minerals.
- Water and nutrients are transported throughout the leaf by veins and channels.
3. The Base leaf
It is at this point where a leaf joins the stem. Stipules are two tiny, leaf-like structures at the base of leaves. This leaf base is broad and conceals the stem in monocotyledon plants like rice, wheat, and other species.
Functions
- aiding in the leaf apposition to the stem
- It safeguards the developing axillary bud.