LEAF

Leaves are among the most visible parts of plants.

Leaves are called the food factory of the plants. Leaves
produce foods and store the foods for later use.
The shape and size of the plants differ from one plant
species to another. The leaves help to identify the type of
plant species it belongs.
A typical leaf is an outgrowth of a stem and has two main
parts: the blade (flattened portion) and the petiole ( the
stalk connecting the blade to the stem)

Functions of Plant Leaves

A. Manufacture of food

it is the primary function of green leaves. The process is

called photosynthesis by which leaf manufactures food
material in the presence of sunlight and green pigmentchlorophyll present in the leaf. The preparation of food material takes place out of water and carbon dioxide obtained
from the soil and the air respectively.
2. Interchange of gases:

it takes place both for respiration and photosynthesis. There

are numerous, minute openings present on the leaves, called
stomata, through which gaseous exchange takes place
between the atmosphere and the plant body.

3.Evaporation of water

Water absorbed by the root hairs of the plant is evaporated

from the leaf surface during the day time. it generally takes
place through the stomatal openings. The phenomenon is
known as transpiration.
Food Storage: The leaves serve as food storage organ of the
plant both temporarily and on long-term basis.

USES OF LEAVES IN OUR DAILY LIFE:

Food

Leaves are widely used for culinary purposes. Now a day

people concentrate on eating more leaves because they are
very good for maintaining a good health.
Eg>spinach, mint,basil,lettuce,curry leaves etc
Medicine

Herbal medicine refers to using plant's leaves for medicinal

purposes. The value of using herbal medicine in treating and
preventing disease is increasing rapidly.

Beverages

Leaves are used to make beverages like tea - it is the most

widely consumed beverage after water.
Skin tattoo

Henna is a plant used for temporary tattooing on the skin.

Pest control

The leaves of some plants can actually prevent pests.

some herbs when planted around a house's foundation can
help keep unwanted critters away such as flies, mice, ants,
fleas ETC
Plates

Banana leaves were traditionally used as alternative to

plates.When hot food is served on banana leaves, the leaves
add aroma and taste to the food.
Hair coloring

Apart from dyeing skin, henna is also used for hair coloring.
The dye is prepared from the leaves of the plant.