leaf_shape

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• Label: Leaf shape
• Entity URI: https://w3id.org/APD/traits/trait_0011311
• Type: categorical
• Definition: A leaf shape trait [TO:0000492] which is the shape [PATO:0000052] and form of a leaf [PO:0025034], considering the ratio [PATO:0001470] of leaf length [PATO:0000122] to leaf width [PATO:0000921], the position [PATO:0000140] of the maximum [NCIT:C25564] width dimension relative to the length axis [NCIT:C25154], and the curvature [PATO:0001591] of the leaf margin [PO:0020128].;Shapes of a leaf or leaflet.
• Additional comments: This trait includes terms to describe the shape of leaves, regardless of if they are broad leaves, scale-like leaves, or needle-like leaves. For compound leaves, it is generally the shape of the leaflet that is recorded. See the trait `leaf_type` for broad terms referencing leaf form (broadleaf, needle, scale) and `plant_photosynthetic_organ` for terms indicating which plant organ or tissue functions as the plant's primary photosynthetic organ (e.g. phyllode, cladode, article).
• Allowed values:

  value	description
  acicular	A 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional shape with a needlelike tip, often round in cross-section, with margins straight and parallel, and a length:width ratio greater than 12:1. (Synonyms, needle-shaped)
  cordate	A 2-dimensional heart shape, approximately ovate with a cordate base, with the petiole attaching at the notch between the lobes. (Synonyms, cordiform)
  deltate	A 2-dimensional shape that is triangular to wedge-shaped, with a length:width ratio of 1:1 and the petiole attaching along one of the broad sides.
  elliptical	A 2-dimensional shape that is an oval, with curved margins, lacking a distinct point, and a length:width ratio between 2:1 and 3:2. (Synonyms, oval)
  ensiform	A 2-dimensional shape that is sword-shaped with a pointed tip and a length:width ratio greater than 12:1. (Synonyms, sword-shaped)
  falcate	A 2-dimensional sickle-shape, approximately lanceolate to linear and curved on one side. (Synonyms, scimitar-shaped, sickle-shaped, falciform, crescent-shaped)
  filiform	A 2-dimensional shape that is long, thin, and typically flexuous, threadlike, filamentous.
  lanceolate	A 2-dimensional shape that is narrowly egg-shaped or teardrop-shaped, with a length:width ratio between 6:1 and 3:1. The petiole attaches near the wide, curved portion of the leaf lamina.
  linear	A 2-dimensional shape that is very long and narrow, has parallel sides and a length:width ratio between 12:1 and 6:1.
  linear_elliptical	A 2-dimensional shape that is a very narrow oval, with curved margins, lacking a distinct point, and a length:width ratio between 12:1 and 6:1.
  narrowly_elliptical	A 2-dimensional shape that is a narrow oval, with curved margins, lacking a distinct point, and a length:width ratio between 6:1 and 3:1.
  narrowly_lanceolate	A 2-dimensional shape that is very narrowly egg-shaped or teardrop-shaped, with a length:width ratio between 12:1 and 6:1. The petiole attaches near the wide, curved portion of the leaf lamina.
  narrowly_oblanceolate	A 2-dimensional shape that is very narrowly teardrop-shaped, with a length:width ratio between 12:1 and 6:1. The leaf lamina has curved outer margins and narrows nearly to a point where it attaches to the petiole. (Synonyms, linear_oblanceolate)
  narrowly_oblong	A 2-dimensional shape that is long and narrow, has parallel sides and a length:width ratio between 6:1 and 3:1. (Synonyms, lorate)
  narrowly_obovate	A 2-dimensional shape that is narrowly egg-shaped or teardrop-shaped with a length:width ratio between 3:1 and 2:1. The leaf lamina has curved outer margins and narrows nearly to a point where it attaches to the petiole. (Synonyms, oblance-obovate)
  narrowly_obtrullate	A 2-dimensional shape that is narrowly parallelogram-shaped, widest near the tip, and with a length:width ratio 3:1 to 6:1.
  narrowly_ovate	A 2-dimensional shape that is narrowly egg-shaped, with a length:width ratio between 3:1 and 2:1. The petiole attaches near the wide, curved portion of the leaf lamina. (Synonyms, lance_ovate, widely_lanceolate)
  narrowly_rhomboidal	A 2-dimensional shape that is like a narrow diamond, with approximately straight edges, widest near the middle, and a length:width ratio 6:1 to 3:1. The petiole attaches near one of the points.
  narrowly_triangular	A 2-dimensional shape that is narrowly triangular to wedge-shaped, with a length:width ratio 6:1 to 3:1 and the petiole attaching near the widest portion of the leaf. (Synonyms, triangular)
  obcordate	A 2-dimensional heart shape, approximately ovate with a cordate apex, and the petiole attaching along the broad, curve side.
  oblanceolate	A 2-dimensional shape that is narrowly teardrop-shaped, with a length:width ratio between 6:1 and 3:1. The leaf lamina has curved outer margins and narrows nearly to a point where it attaches to the petiole.
  oblate	A 2-dimensional shape that is a broad oval, with curved margins, lacking a distinct point, and a length:width ratio of approximately 5:6. The petiole attaches along the broader side.
  oblong	A 2-dimensional shape that is somewhat elongated with parallel sides and a length:width ratio between 2:1 and 3:2.
  obovate	A 2-dimensional shape that is egg-shaped with a length:width ratio between 2:1 and 3:2. The leaf lamina has curved outer margins and narrows nearly to a point where it attaches to the petiole.
  obtriangular	A 2-dimensional shape that is triangular to fan-shaped or wedge-shaped, with a length:width ratio 2:1 to 3:2 and the petiole attaching near the narrowest portion of the leaf. (Synonyms, flabelliform, fan-shaped, wedge-shaped, cuneate)
  obtrullate	A 2-dimensional shape that is approximately parallelogram-shaped, widest near the tip, and with a length:width ratio 2:1 to 3:2.
  orbicular	A 2-dimensional shape that is approximately circular. (Synonyms, circular)
  ovate	A 2-dimensional shape that is egg-shaped, with a length:width ratio between 2:1 and 3:2. The petiole attaches near the wide, curved portion of the leaf lamina.
  peltate	A 2-dimensional orbicular shape, distinguished by the petiole attaching near the center of the leaf lamina.
  reniform	A 2-dimensional shape that is roughly kidney-shaped, wider than long with a rounded apex and two rounded, basal lobes that are smoothly concave at their intersection. (Synonyms, kidney-shaped)
  rhomboidal	A 2-dimensional shape that is approximately diamond or parallelogram-shaped, with approximately straight edges, widest near the middle, and a length:width ratio 2:1 to 3:2. The petiole attaches near one of the points. (Synonyms, rhombic, diamond)
  spathulate	A 2-dimensional shape that can be approximately oblong, obovate, or oblanceolate in outline with a long attenuate base, like a spoon. (Synonyms, spoon-shaped, clavate)
  strap-shaped	A 2-dimensional shape that is strap-shaped with a rounded tip and a length:width ratio greater than 12:1.
  subulate	A 2-dimensional shape that is awl-shaped, approximately narrowly oblong to narrowly triangular with a broad base. (Synonyms, awl-shaped)
  terete	A 3-dimensional shape that is a long, narrow cylinder approximately circular in cross-section. Terete leaves often taper toward the tip. (Synonyms, cylindrical)
  triangular	A 2-dimensional shape that is triangular to wedge-shaped, with a length:width ratio 2:1 to 3:2 and the petiole attaching near the widest portion of the leaf.
  trullate	A 2-dimensional shape that is approximately parallelogram-shaped, widest near where the petiole attaches (base), and with a length:width ratio 2:1 to 3:2.
  widely_elliptical	A 2-dimensional shape that is a broad oval, with curved margins, lacking a distinct point, and a length:width ratio of approximately 6:5.
  widely_obovate	A 2-dimensional shape that is broadly egg-shaped with a length:width ratio of approximately 6:5. The leaf lamina has curved outer margins and narrows nearly to a point where it attaches to the petiole.
  widely_obtrullate	A 2-dimensional shape that is broadly parallelogram-shaped, widest near the tip, and with a length:width ratio of approximately 6:5.
  widely_ovate	A 2-dimensional shape that is broadly egg-shaped with a length:width ratio of approximately 6:5. The petiole attaches near the wide, curved portion of the leaf lamina.

See the AusTraits Plant Dictionary (https://w3id.org/APD/traits/trait_0011311) for additional information about this trait.

Coverage

For this trait, AusTraits includes a total of 29,291 records. This includes:

• data for 17,591 species.
• data for 286 families.
• data from 25 datasets (see the portal Citations tab for a list of sources)