What is a Leaf?

What is a Leaf?

A leaf is a part of a plant attached to a stem resembling a flat structure. Leaves help plants collect sunlight, which they can then turn into energy (food) through a process called photosynthesis. Their flatness helps them in this task and they are thin to allow the sunlight easy entry into their cells. Leaves come in many shapes, sizes and colours. Leaves also help the plant exchange gases in the atmosphere, breathing in carbon dioxide and breathing out oxygen. This helps clean the air and creates the oxygen we breathe.

What are Leaf Arrangements?

Leaf arrangement refers to the way leaves are positioned on a stem. This information is important because it helps people identify and group different kinds of plants and shrubs. In botany, this is called phyllotaxy and there are three different types in leaves commonly spoken of when referring to trees and shrubs.

1. Opposite Leaf Arrangement. This is when leaves grow directly across from each other on a stem. In this arrangement, two different leaves grow from opposite sides of the same node.
2. Whorled Leaf Arrangement. With whorled leaf arrangements, a minimum of three leaves will grow from the same node. Some plants can have a mixture of whorled and opposite leaf arrangements.
3. Alternate Leaf Arrangements. Leaves in this arrangement are more spread out along the stem, as each node only produces one leaf. The leaves may grow on opposite sides of the stem or appear to grow in a spiral.

What are the Parts of a Leaf?

The different parts of a leaf each play an important role in nurturing and sustaining the plant so the leaf can work its magic. This diagram shows the three main parts of a leaf’s anatomy.

• Petiole. The petiole helps the plant transport the energy made in the leaf to the rest of the plant and also allows nutrients and water to travel from the roots to the leaves.
• Midrib. This provides strength and structure for the leaf, so it can hold its shape against the elements.
• Veins. As mentioned above, the veins help the nutrients travel to the leaf and plant. However, there are two different kinds of veins in leaves. The one we just mentioned is called the xylem, and the other is the phloem. The phloem moves food energy around the plant that’s collected from the sun and converted through photosynthesis.

Leaf Templates, Displays and Classroom Resources

If you’d like to teach your students more about leaves and plant science, you’ve come to the right place. Our website is full of fun and interesting teaching materials you can use, from blank leaf templates to beautifully illustrated PowerPoints.

For example, this Leaf Life STEM PowerPoint is a great place to start when talking to your students about how leaves function and the role they play in sustaining plants.

We also have these lovely leaf templates for decorating your classroom. Create a beautiful display by adding a splash of green to your classroom walls or cork board.

Lastly, this Leaf Writing Template could also bring a great opportunity for students to create their own display. Simply ask them to write their name, or something relating to what they’re learning, on a leaf and stick it on this Large Tree template. It’s a great way to symbolise the important role that each individual plays in the class.