Leaf patterns are veins that carry water and nutrients to the different parts of the leaf. They act as skeletons for the leaf providing structure and support. The three leaf patterns are:
a. Pinnate Vein Pattern – these patterns are usually found in broad leaves like the leaves of the elm and birch trees. Its structure is composed of a central vein called, midrib, with smaller veins branching out from it. Pinnate literally means feather-like.
b. Palmate Vein Pattern – sycamore and maple trees have this type of leaf pattern. Compared to pinnate leaves that have a singular midrib, palmate veins patterns have multiple midribs that resemble a hand with the fingers spread apart.
c. Parallel Vein Pattern – pine trees have this type of leaf pattern. These are long thin leaves that do not have net-vein patterns. The veins run parallel from the leaf stem to the tip.