Though all leaves have the same function, those of the various species differ in shape, thus serving as an important means of identification.
A good identifying feature of some shrubs is their arcuate venation (cornelian cherry, dogwood, common buckthorn), where the secondary veins run parallel to the leaf margin towards the tip of the leaf. Leaf apices likewise differ in shape; they may be acuminate or acute (with long, slender, or short points), rounded, truncate (blunt) or emarginate (cleft). Leaf bases may be rounded (European green alder, wayfaring tree), cuneate, i.e. wedge- shaped, (barberry, mezercon) or cordate (hazel).
Leaves may be either simple, with a single blade, which may be lobed, e.g. the hazel, gooseberry and hawthorn, or compound, with three or more blades attached to one stalk, e.g. the bladdernut and common elder.
This is caused by the decomposition of the green chlorophyll, the predominance of yellow xanthophyll and red carotenoid pigments and increased level of anthocyanin in the cell plasm. Autumn coloration is likewise a distinguishing feature in a number of shrubs.
The placing of the leaves in the crown likewise contributes to the better utilization of light. This is aided by the intricate branching of the crown as well as by the varying length and angle of the leaf stalks. Respiration and transpiration take place through pores or stomata.
The leaf then falls to the ground, leaving a pale spot on the twig which is called the leaf scar. In some cases this scar has a characteristic shape and helps in identifying the species in the winter months. - 16035
A good identifying feature of some shrubs is their arcuate venation (cornelian cherry, dogwood, common buckthorn), where the secondary veins run parallel to the leaf margin towards the tip of the leaf. Leaf apices likewise differ in shape; they may be acuminate or acute (with long, slender, or short points), rounded, truncate (blunt) or emarginate (cleft). Leaf bases may be rounded (European green alder, wayfaring tree), cuneate, i.e. wedge- shaped, (barberry, mezercon) or cordate (hazel).
Leaves may be either simple, with a single blade, which may be lobed, e.g. the hazel, gooseberry and hawthorn, or compound, with three or more blades attached to one stalk, e.g. the bladdernut and common elder.
This is caused by the decomposition of the green chlorophyll, the predominance of yellow xanthophyll and red carotenoid pigments and increased level of anthocyanin in the cell plasm. Autumn coloration is likewise a distinguishing feature in a number of shrubs.
The placing of the leaves in the crown likewise contributes to the better utilization of light. This is aided by the intricate branching of the crown as well as by the varying length and angle of the leaf stalks. Respiration and transpiration take place through pores or stomata.
The leaf then falls to the ground, leaving a pale spot on the twig which is called the leaf scar. In some cases this scar has a characteristic shape and helps in identifying the species in the winter months. - 16035
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The variety of garden materials present a futher range of garden design in your garden plan, involving color and texture as well as linear design.
