Leaf type

The whole leaf may be undivided and simple, or comprised of two or more variously arranged leaflets.

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Simple or unifoliolate

The leaf is undivided (although the margin of the leaf may be deeply toothed or lobed), with (unifoliolate) or without (simple) an articulation between the leaf lamina and leaf stalk.

Two leaflets

A compound leaf with two leaflets (as in Zornia muelleriana).

Palmate, with 3 leaflets

A compound leaf with three leaflets, arranged such that the leaflet stalks (petiolules) are about the same length and all arise from a common point (e.g. Trifolium striatum).

Palmate, with more than 3 leaflets

A compound leaf with more than three leaflets, arranged such that the leaflet stalks (petiolules) are about the same length and all leaflets arise from a common point (e.g. Cullen tenax, Lupinus angustifolius).

Pinnate, with 3 leaflets

A compound leaf with three leaflets, with the rachis (central axis of the leaf structure) extending beyond the lower pair of leaflets giving the appearance of a longer stalk on the terminal leaflet (e.g. Cajanus acutifolius, Cullen australasicum). In most cases an articulation, and sometimes stipellae (small leaf like appendages found at the base of a leaflet (e.g. Kennedia prostrata), mark the junction of the rachis and terminal leaflet stalk, and may be useful in distinguishing between pinnate and palmate leaves with 3 leaflets.

Pinnate, compound with more than 3 leaflets

A compound leaf with more than 3 leaflets arranged on either side of the rachis, (e.g. Abrus precatorius, Swainsona campylantha). The pinnately arranged leaf tendrils found in Lathyrus and Vicia are modified leaflets, (e.g. Lathyrus odoratus) and these leaves are also treated as pinnately compound.