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In botany, a leaf is an above-ground plant organ specialized for photosynthesis. For this purpose, a leaf is typically flat (laminar) and thin, to expose the cells containing chloroplast to light over a broad area, and to allow light to penetrate fully into the tissues. Leaves are also the sites in most plants where transpiration and guttation take place. Leaves can store food and water, and are modified in some plants for other purposes. The comparable structures of ferns are correctly referred to as fronds. Furthermore, leaves are prominent in the human diet as leaf vegetables.

A structurally complete leaf of an angiosperm consists of a petiole (leaf stem), a lamina (leaf blade), and stipules (small processes located to either side of the base of the petiole). The petiole attaches to the stem at a point called the "leaf axil". Not every species produces leaves with all of the aforementioned structural components. In some species, paired stipules are not obvious or are absent altogether. A petiole may be absent, or the blade may not be laminar (flattened). The tremendous variety shown in leaf structure (anatomy) from species to species is presented in detail below under Leaf morphology. After a period of time (i.e. seasonally, during the autumn), deciduous trees shed their leaves. These leaves then decompose into the soil.

A leaf is considered a plant organ and typically consists of the following tissues

The epidermis is the outer multi-layered group of cells covering the leaf. It forms the boundary separating the plant's inner cells from the external world. The epidermis serves several functions protection against water loss, regulation of gas exchange, secretion of metabolic compounds, and (in some species) absorption of water. Most leaves show dorsoventral anatomy the upper (adaxial) and lower (abaxial) surfaces have somewhat different construction and may serve different functions.

Leaf Subcategories Leaf Articles Growing Of Coffee Plants In Your Area by Jennifer Seaton Dec 05, 2008 Coffee may be the favorite stimulant of people all over the world, but they may not know how those coffee beans and granules are cultivated. Some even think that they come out like the powdered instant drinks that we are so used to. Coffee ... Coffee In Any Form Is Still Coffee by Jennifer Seaton Dec 05, 2008 Coffee is one of the most popular drinks man has ever discovered throughout the world. Coffee is so popular that people all around the world have actually invented different ways of enjoying it. In more than one, coffee is now taken, drank, ... Coffee Containers Usage In Your Home by Jennifer Seaton Dec 05, 2008 You are a coffee addict. You buy a lot of coffee cans in a single month and manage to consume them. Seeing the cans, you don't want to throw them away because they seem to have some use. Problem is, you just can't figure what. What can you do with al... Coffee As A Poplular Beverages Today by Jennifer Seaton Dec 05, 2008 Coffee is one of the most popular beverages consumed by people from all over the world. In fact, coffee is probably the second most popular drink next to water. It seems to have that distinct aroma and taste that favors the tastebuds of most people. ... Buying A Coffee Maker by Jennifer Seaton Dec 05, 2008 Making coffee shouldn't be a hassle especially when this is needed to make one mentally alert early in the morning. One way is by buying a coffee maker from the appliance store so it will be ready when the person goes into the kitchen. Here are some ... Overview on tea leaf family and its flavors by Kate Prescott Nov 17, 2008 A cup of tea is just more than a refreshment drink. It is a companion that accompanies us right from the daybreak and helps us breathe an air of relief in the midst of daily chores. Gourmet tea forms an inevitable part of chatting sessions with frien... How To Propagate and Care for Succulents and Cacti Plants By Rooting Leaf or Stem Cuttings by Laura Zinkan Aug 20, 2008 Succulents are perfect plants for xeriscape gardens or container gardens and are easy to root and grow. Once you learn how easy it is to propagate succulent plants, it's a great way to expand your plant collection - and it's free! You can use this ... Chinese Green Tea as the Drink to Health by Janey Q May 29, 2008 Many studies suggest that fresh-brewed tea can benefit health and fight disease. Tea is cosy, comforting, easy to brew, and can be enjoyed anywhere at any time. Chinese green has more varieties than any other tea in China as well as... Vitamins - Just the Facts Please! by Carol Belanger Mar 31, 2008 We all want to look good, feel good and feel energized. We search the stores looking for the miracle vitamin or supplement to give us good health and well-being. That being said, nutritional supplements, wellness products and vitamins is a multi-bi...