Leaf or leaflet apex shape

The shape of the leaf or leaflet tip. Note that the description of shape is at best approximate, given that there exists a full range of variation between each idealised shape, making interpretations somewhat subjective. Further complications arise from variation between individuals of a taxon, within an individual specimen, and in the case of compound leaves, between individual leaflets. Users should take a relatively broad interpretation of leaf apex shape, and enter the most commonly observed condition(s).

Return to Character index

Acute or acuminate or acicular

The leaf or leaflet margins taper (gradually or abruptly) to a point at the apex. Generally, the converging margins are separated by an angle of less than 90 degrees.

Obtuse or rounded

The leaf or leaflet apex is blunt to rounded. Generally, converging margins are separated by an angle of more than 90 degrees.

Bilobed or emarginate or retuse or sagittate

The leaf or leaflet apex is slightly to deeply notched (the leaf or leaflet apices may be obtuse to acute in overall shape).

Truncate

The leaf or leaflet apex is squared, as if cut-off.