What is the Difference Between Pinnate and Palmate?

The main difference between pinnate and palmate compound leaves lies in the arrangement of their leaflets on the rachis, which is the extension of the petiole. Here are the key differences:

Pinnate leaves:

• Leaflets are attached along the extension of the petiole called the rachis.
• There is an even number of leaflets.
• Pinnate leaves have a single primary vein from which multiple secondary veins arise.
• Pinnate leaves can be further classified into different types based on the arrangement of leaflets, such as even-pinnate (paripinnate), odd-pinnate (imparipinnate), and alternate-pinnately.

Palmate leaves:

• Leaflets are attached to the tip of the petiole.
• Many leaflets arise from a single point where the petiole and stem meet.
• Palmate leaves have a single primary vein with several main veins running from the base of the leaf to the top.

In summary, pinnate leaves have leaflets attached along the rachis, while palmate leaves have leaflets attached to the tip of the petiole. The venation patterns in pinnate and palmate leaves also differ, with pinnate leaves having a single primary vein and multiple secondary veins, and palmate leaves having several main veins running from the base to the top.

Comparative Table: Pinnate vs Palmate

Here is a table comparing the differences between pinnate and palmate compound leaves:

Pinnate and palmate compound leaves are two types of leaf venation found in plants, serving as a major identification feature of plants.