Common Leaf Arrangement Patterns (IMAGE)

University of Tokyo

Common Leaf Arrangement Patterns

Caption

Leaf arrangement with one leaf per node is called alternate phyllotaxis whereas arrangement with two or more leaves per node is called whorled phyllotaxis. Common alternate types are distichous phyllotaxis (bamboo) and Fibonacci spiral phyllotaxis (the succulent spiral aloe), and common whorled types are decussate phyllotaxis (basil or mint) and tricussate phyllotaxis (Nerium oleander, sometimes known as dogbane). Researchers at the University of Tokyo recently improved the equation that is used to calculate leaf arrangement patterns by studying the unusual pattern of Orixa japonica.

Credit

Image by Takaaki Yonekura, CC-BY-ND (Creative Commons, By Attribution, No Derivatives).

Usage Restrictions

Image by Takaaki Yonekura, CC-BY-ND (Creative Commons, By Attribution, No Derivatives).

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.