Leaf or leaflet blade baseThe shape of the leaf or leaflet base. 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 base shape, and enter the most commonly observed condition(s). Return to Character index |
CordateThe leaf or leaflet base is notched about the central axis, appearing heart-shaped or lobed, including auriculate (rounded lobes) and sagittate (pointed lobes). |
Obtuse/roundedThe leaf or leaflet base is blunt to rounded. Generally, converging margins are separated by an angle of more than 90 degrees. |
TruncateThe leaf or leaflet base is squared, appearing as if cut-off. |