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ECOLOGY ▪ SCIENCE ▪ EDUCATION

Indiana Nature Biology Glossary

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BIB

L

Lanceolate Leaf: A long, narrow leaf that is broadest below the middle and gradually tapers towards the apex.

Lanceolate Leaf

Lateral Bud: Also called “axillary buds,” lateral buds are located along the length or “axis” of a twig or stem.

Lateral bud

Lateral Leaflet: In pinnately compound leaves, a leaflet arranged along the length of the rachis. See also terminal leaflet.

Lateral leaflets

Leaf: A functional organ of a plant where photosynthesis and transpiration take place, which consists of an expanded blade (usually green) that is attached to a stem.

Leaf Scar: A mark left behind on a twig and branches after leaves are detached. The shape of the leaf scar is sometimes a key attribute in species identification, particularly in the winter.

Leaf Scar

Leaflet: One of the individual, leaf-like blades of a compound leaf. Unlike leaves, leaflets do not subtend buds.

Lenticel: A typically raised, corky grouping of cells that allow for transpiration and the exchange of gasses between the interior of a plant and the atmosphere. Lenticels may be located on the surface of bark, twigs, roots, and fruit.

Illustration of lenticel