Compound leaves are a type of leaf in which the blade is divided into multiple leaflets. These leaflets are attached to a common stalk, known as the rachis. Compound leaves are found in many plantspecies and come in different arrangements and shapes.
Palmately Compound: In palmately compound leaves, the leaflets are attached at a single point at the tip of the petiole, resembling the fingers of a hand. Examples of plants with palmately compound leaves include the horse chestnut and the buckeye.
Pinnately Compound: Pinnately compound leaves have leaflets arranged along the rachis, resembling a feather. Each leaflet is attached to the rachis by its own small stalk. Examples of plants with pinnately compound leaves include roses, acacias, and hickory trees.
Resistance to Wind: The arrangement of leaflets reduces wind resistance, preventing damage to the leaf structure.
Resource Allocation: Some plants have compound leaves as an adaptation to efficiently allocate resources, such as light and water, to different parts of the leaf.
Study Guide
To understand compound leaves thoroughly, consider the following study guide:
Define compound leaves and distinguish between palmately and pinnately compound leaves.
Draw and label the structure of a compound leaf, including the rachis and leaflets.
Research and list examples of plants with palmately and pinnately compound leaves.
Develop and use models to illustrate that energy at the macroscopic scale can be accounted for as either motions of particles or energy stored in fields.