LEAVES

PARTS OF A LEAF
Types of leaves.

1. Simple leaves.
These are leaves where we find one leaflet or leaf blade on one stalk. For example
2. Compound leaves.
These are leaves where there are many leaflets on one leaf stalk.

The leaflets are divided at the original leaf stalk and each leaflet has its
Own small stalk called a ranchis.
Leaf venation
This is the arrangement of veins in a leaf.

There are two main types of leaf venation. Namely;

1.Network venation.
This is where the veins form a net like structure.
The main vein or midrib supplies the leaf with different substances like water
and minerals, while it also takes oxygen and starch to the different parts of the leaf
and plant.

This type of venation is common in dicotyledonous plants like beans, peas, soya
beans etc
2. Parallel venation.
Here, the veins run from the leaf stalk to the apex of the leaf or the tip of the leaf.

This type of venation is common in monocotyledonous plants like maize,

sugarcanes, millet, wheat, rice etc
Functions or uses of leaves to a plant.
Leaves make food for the plant using the process called photosynthesis.

Leaves allow a plant to breath in and out. They breath through small holes
called stomata.

Leaves carry out transpiration. This is the process by which plants lose excess
water. It’s the same as sweating in humans.

Some leaves store food and water like onions and sisal.

Some leaves protect the plant for example the acanthus plants. There leaves have
thorns that prick when touched. Some leaves burn and itch.

Some leaves are used for propagation.