ABSTRACT
Leaf types Leaves are the main photosynthetic organs of plants. The leaf blade lamina generally has a large surface area to maximize light capture and may have a petiole. Compound leaves have a lamina divided into leaflets and a central rachis. The lamina may be much reduced (e.g. in conifer needles). The vascular tissue of the leaf occurs as veins, which are branched from a central midrib forming a network, or are parallel to one another.
