Question

Lab Assignment 4b: Leaf Identification

Leaf characteristics vary greatly from species to species. This means that being familiar with the terms that botanists use to describe leaves is essential to proper classification and identification of species.

The objective of this lab activity is:

·         To practice and master the use of terminology used to describe leaves

·         To practice identifying native species of Missouri

For each of the following species of tree describe the leaves. You must include ALL of the following in your description.

a.)     Leaf type (Simple, Palmately Compound, Pinnately Compound)

b.)    Stem arrangement (Opposite, Alternate, Whorled)

c.)     Venation (The arrangement of the veins) (Pinnately Veined, Palmately Veined, or Parallel)

d.)    You must include a citation and reference for your answers.

1.)    Red bud (Cercis canadensis)

               

2.)    Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra)

3.)    Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

4.)    Pecan Tree (Carya illinoinensis)

5.)    Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)

Bonus Activity: GET OUTSIDE!

Find one plant (a tree would be easiest, but you may use shrubs or flowers if you would like). Describe its leaf characteristics and identify the species. You must also provide a photograph of your species. If you do not have the means to include a photograph, a picture from the internet would also be appropriate.

Answer 1

1. Red bud (Cercis canadensis)

Leaf type: Simple

Stem arrangement: twisting

• banchidodrome; pinnate; palmate; reticulate
• Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson2
• Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra)

Leaf type: Palmately, Compound

Stem arrangement: Opposite

• Pinnate
• Brizicky, G.K.
• Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

Leaf type: simple

Stem arrangement: Opposite

• palmate

Reference : Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson

1. Pecan Tree (Carya illinoinensis)

Leaf type: odd pinnately compound

Stem arrangement: Alternate

• Pinnate

Reference : Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson

1. Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)

Leaf type: Simple

Stem arrangement: Alternate

Venation: Pinnate

Reference : Stein, John D. and Denise Binion

Plant: Mango (Mangifera indica)

Leaf type: simple

Stem arrangement: alternate

Venation: Banchidod rome; pinnate

Reference : Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson