Modification of leaves to their functions

Modification of leaves to their functions

• Flattened surface to reduce diffusion distance
• Shiny waxy cuticle to reduce water loss
• Mosaic arrangement to increase light absoption
• modified into tendrils to support weak climbing stems e.g. Gloriosa, peas
• Some leaves are modified into spine in order to reduce water loss. Spines also protect the plant from herbivorous animals
• Some leaves are modified into scale leaves (thin, membranous, dry colorless structures) for protection. E.g. onion outer leaves
• Phyllode : It is a green, expanded structure formed by the modification of petiole or rachis of leaf. Many xerophytes reduce the size of their leaves to minimize water loss. Such plant develop phyllodes to carry out photosynthesis e.g., Acacia, Melanoxylon and Parkinsonia.
• Some leaves are flesh to store water and food
• Some leaves develop vegetative bud for reproduction, e.g. bryophyllum
• In some rootless, aquatic plants, the submerged leaves are modified into root like structure to absorb water and mineral salts. Such modified leaves are called absorbing leaves. e.g., Utricularia.
• Some leaves are brightly colored to attract insect pollinator, e.g. Bougainville
• Some leaves are modified to trap insects.

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