- The blade, also known as the lamina, is a critical part of any leaf model as it the largest part of a leaf and therefore the most noticeable. To ensure accuracy, closely examine the color and texture of the blade when developing a leaf model. Some blades are smooth and waxy while other are soft and furry. Blades come in several colors including a range of greens, reds and yellows.
- The veins are the small lines that run through the leaf, carrying nutrients and supporting the blade. Without the veins, the blade would die. An accurate leaf model must include the veins to stay true to nature's design. The pattern the veins make can be net-like, containing a large center vein called a midrib, or have large veins that extend from the midrib. The other net-like design has more than one main vein the runs from the base of the blade to the tip of the leaf with veins extending from each main vein. Other leaves have a few large veins that run parallel and are connected by small cross-veins.
- The margin of the leaf is the edge or rim of the leaf. The edges of each blade are different depending on the type of plant from which the leaf comes. The edges can be thin, smooth or jagged.
- The petiole is the part of the leaf that resembles a stem and connects the leaf to the plant. Inside of the petiole, small tubes attach to the veins. The petiole must be strong in order to sustain winds and reach toward sunlight. A small "handle" at the base of the petiole assists in bending with the wind so that the leaf does not break off.
- The stipules are like two tiny leafs protruding from the base of the petiole on certain plants. These will only be necessary to include if the leaf being modeled actually has stipules, such as leaves from legumes. Stipules can help identify a plant leaf and sometimes act as protection for young leaves.
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