Which term describes a leaf with a single blade and no leaflets?

Which term describes a leaf with a single blade and no leaflets?

• A. Compound leaf
• B. Simple leaf
• C. Whorled leaf
• D. Opposite leaf

Answer: (B)

Understanding leaf blade structure helps distinguish simple from compound leaves. A leaf with a single blade and no leaflets is called a simple leaf. The blade is undivided and forms one continuous piece from base to tip, even if its edge is lobed or serrated. If a leaf had multiple leaflets arranged along a common stalk, it would be a compound leaf, because the leaf’s unit parts are leaflets rather than a single blade. The other terms describe how leaves are arranged on the stem (whorled and opposite) and don’t define blade division, so they don’t apply to the concept of having one continuous blade.

Understanding leaf blade structure helps distinguish simple from compound leaves. A leaf with a single blade and no leaflets is called a simple leaf. The blade is undivided and forms one continuous piece from base to tip, even if its edge is lobed or serrated. If a leaf had multiple leaflets arranged along a common stalk, it would be a compound leaf, because the leaf’s unit parts are leaflets rather than a single blade. The other terms describe how leaves are arranged on the stem (whorled and opposite) and don’t define blade division, so they don’t apply to the concept of having one continuous blade.