Type of Leaf

Simple leaf: The leaf which has one leaflet is called simple leaf. Simple leaves or single leaves are of three types.
1. Unsegmented leaf: A simple leaf without segments is called an unsegmented leaf. For example, mango.
2. Cartilage leaves: A simple leaf with slightly broken edges is called a cartilaginous leaf.
3. Fragmented leaf: A simple leaf with more fragmented leaflets is called a fragmented leaf.
Compound leaf: A leaf that has more than one leaflet or pinna is called a compound leaf. For example – Sajina, Lajjavati, Rose, Kamini, Neem, Krinchchura, Radhachura, Dhincha etc. Compound leaves are of two types. Pinnate compound leaves and palmate compound leaves.
1. Compound leaf: The compound leaf in which the leaves are connected on both sides of the leaf or rachis is called pinnate compound leaf. Different types of compound leaves are-
(i) Unipinnate compound leaf: A compound leaf whose rachis is unbranched is called unipinnate compound leaf. One-sided compound leaves are of two types. These are-
Pinnate compound leaves: If there is no leaflet at the apex of the rachis of a compound leaf, it is called a pinnate compound leaf. For example, monkey sticks.
Compound leaves: Compound leaves are called compound leaves if there are leaflets at the apex of the rachis. For example, rose.
(ii) Bipinnate compound leaf: The compound leaf which branches out from the rachis and the leaves are arranged on both sides of the branch is called Bipinnate compound leaf. For example, shy and shy.
(iii) Tripinnate compound leaf: The compound leaf in which the branches emerge from the branches of the rachis and the leaves are arranged on both sides of the branches is called tripinnate compound leaf. For example, Sajina.
(iv) Supercompound leaves: Compound leaves which are divided more than three times and have different segments are called decomposed. For example, coriander leaves.
2. Palmate compound leaf: The compound leaf in which the leaflets are joined at the top of the rachis is called palmate compound leaf. The compound leaves of palm can be of different types.
(i) Monofoliate compound leaf: The compound leaf which has only one leaflet at the top of the rachis is called Unifoliate leaf. For example, lemon.
(ii) Bifoliate compound leaf: The compound leaf which has two leaflets at the apex of the petiole or rachis is called bifoliate leaf. For example, Hingon.
(iii) Trifoliate compound leaf: The compound leaf which has three leaflets at the top of the petiole or rachis is called Trifoliate leaf. For example, Amrul.
(iv) Quadrifoliate compound leaf: The compound leaf which has four leaflets at the top of the petiole or rachis is called Quadrifoliate leaf. For example, Shushni.
(v) Multifoliate compound leaf: The compound leaf which has five or more leaflets at the top of the rachis is called Multifoliate leaf. For example, Shimul.

Stem : definition and types

1. Vigorous stem: The stem which can stand upright independently above the ground is called Vigorous stem. Like- mango, jam, litchi etc.
2. Weak Stems: Those stems which cannot stand upright independently above the ground are called weak stems. For example- Gourd, Pumpkin, Durbaghas etc.
3. Rhizome: The stems that grow parallel to the ground are called rhizomes. Like ginger, turmeric etc.
4. Tuber: When the tip of the underground branch of the stem is swollen and rounded to store food, it is called a tuber. For example, round potatoes.
5. Bulbs: All metamorphosed stems that are short and disc-like in shape are called bulbs. For example, onion, garlic etc.
6. Runner: A runner is a weak stem and bends like a bow. It has non-local roots. Thankuni, Kachuripana, Kachu, Strawberry etc.
7. Hollow stem: Some stems are hollow in the center. Plants of the family Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Lamiaceae etc. have hollow stems. The stems of Cyperaceae are three-cornered and those of Lamiaceae are four-cornered.