Vegetative Morphology

Leaf Attachment to the Stem

deltoid.jpg (102183 bytes) This is a leaf possessing a stalk, or petiole.  These leaves are a mix of mature and immature cottonwoods (Populus deltoides)
Petiolate
sessile leaves.jpg (23770 bytes) The petiole of the leaf is absent.  The example is Polygonatum biflora, the solomon's seal.  The sessile term is used in the animal kingdom for animals that are not motile.
Sessile
perfoliatebellwort.jpg (26645 bytes) This is a sessile leaf with the stem passing through the blade.  This is perfoliate bellwort - Uvularia perfoliata
Perfoliate
claspingleaf.jpg (20884 bytes) A leaf blade or petiole that is narrowed into a tube that surrounds the stem above the node.  This is Zebrina sp. - Wandering Jew.
Sheathing