 The
lamina is the expanded portion or blade of a
leaf and it is an
above-ground organ specialized
for photosynthesis. For this
purpose, a
leaf is typically, to a greater or
lesser degree, flat and thin, to expose the
chloroplast containing
cells (chlorenchyma)
to light over a broad area, and to
allow light to penetrate fully into
the tissues.
Lamina parts:
Leaf apex:
The tip of a leaf opposite to the
petiole.
Margins:
The boundary area
extending along the edge of the leaf.
Lobes: A partial rounded portion of a
leaf
margin, separated from the whole by a more or less deeply
indentation (sinus)
Vein:
A
vascular bundle (the
ribs) at or near the surface
that provides supports for the leaf and transports both water and food.
The
Adaxial or ventral surface:
is the upper surface of a leaf lamina facing toward the
stem.
The Abaxial
or dorsal surface: of a leaf lamina is the underside or
side facing away from the stem.
The
shape or form of the leaf lamina is an important
characteristic
used for leaf classification.
See: leaf shape |
