The overall shape of the leaf is also a characteristic pattern that is used to identify the tree and can be needle-like, scale-like, or vary from a simple oval shape to that of a heart ( Figure 6). The leaf apex, or the tip of the leaf, also varies based on the tree species and can range from acute, or forming an angle less than 90 degrees to a rounded apex ( Figure 5). A leaf’s base can range in shape from a blunt end or obtuse, to a wedge shape or cuneate, to truncate or flat base, or to a base with lobes on each side of the petiole or auriculate ( Figure 4). Leaf margins may consist of lobes that resemble the shape of a human ear lobe or sinuses that resemble the shape of a sinus cavity in humans ( Figure 3). A leaf’s margin often displays characteristic patterns that vary from smooth to having teeth to being lobed ( Figure 2). A leaf that is a compound leaf consists of leaflets attached to the rachis, which extends from the petiole. The basic parts of a simple leaf include the blade, the petiole, margin, base, apex, mid-rib, and veins ( Figure 1). To use the physical characteristics of leaves to identify trees, it is important to know the various parts of a leaf ( Figure 1) and their characteristics ( Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4, and Figure 5), the leaf shape ( Figure 6), the leaf type ( Figure 7), and the leaf arrangement ( Figure 8). An example would be pine trees that produce leaves shaped as needles. The most common characteristics used to identify trees are the leaves because trees produce leaves that have the same physical characteristics.
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