Leaf patterns are
veins that carry water and nutrients to the different parts of the leaf. They
act as skeletons for the leaf providing structure and support. The three leaf
patterns are:
a. Pinnate Vein
Pattern – these patterns are usually found in broad leaves like the leaves of
the elm and birch trees. Its structure is composed of a central vein called,
midrib, with smaller veins branching out from it. Pinnate literally means
feather-like.
b. Palmate Vein
Pattern – sycamore and maple trees have this type of leaf pattern. Compared to
pinnate leaves that have a singular midrib, palmate veins patterns have
multiple midribs that resemble a hand with the fingers spread apart.
c. Parallel Vein
Pattern – pine trees have this type of leaf pattern. These are long thin leaves
that do not have net-vein patterns. The veins run parallel from the leaf stem
to the tip.
