Leaf Vein Patterns
In our plant identification series this week we are exploring the vein pattern in leaves. The pattern of leaf veins is in part determined by the shape of the leaf and families tend to have similar vein patterns from one plant to another. Venation: The arrangement of veins in a leaf is called the venation pattern. Veins bring nutrients and liquid to leaf cells. The illustration gives a few common ones. There are three main types of veins as shown in the photo. Parallel veins- just like it sounds: The veins run parallel except where they meet at the tip and the base. This type of vein is found on grasses, corn, and other monocots (monocot-grass or grass-like plants with only one seed leaf). Pinnate veins- one main vein with secondary veins spaced along the central midvein. Pinnate refers to "ladderlike." Oak trees are the most common example of this vein type. Palmate veins- several primary veins diverge from a point where the leaf meets the petiole. Maple trees are an example of trees with leaves that have palmate veins.
