Leaf or leaflet blade base

The shape of the leaf or leaflet base. Note that the description of shape is at best approximate, given that there exists a full range of variation between each idealised shape, making interpretations somewhat subjective. Further complications arise from variation between individuals of a taxon, within an individual specimen, and in the case of compound leaves, between individual leaflets. Users should take a relatively broad interpretation of leaf base shape, and enter the most commonly observed condition(s).

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Cordate

The leaf or leaflet base is notched about the central axis, appearing  heart-shaped or lobed, including auriculate (rounded lobes) and sagittate (pointed lobes).

Attenuate to cuneate

The leaf or leaflet base is broadly to narrowly tapering, appearing triangular to wedge-shaped. Generally, the converging margins are separated by an angle of less than 90 degrees.

Obtuse/rounded

The leaf or leaflet base is blunt to rounded. Generally, converging margins are separated by an angle of more than 90 degrees.

Truncate

The leaf or leaflet base is squared, appearing as if cut-off.