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How are Asteraceae leaves arranged on plant stems?
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Asterales
True, or English, daisy (Bellis perennis).
In the Asteraceae family, the arrangement of leaves along the stem—a concept known as phyllotaxis—is quite varied. The leaves may be arranged in the following ways:
- Alternate: Leaves are attached singly at each node.
- Opposite: Leaves are attached in pairs at each node.
- Whorled: Less commonly, three or more leaves are attached at a single node.
It is also common for members of this family to exhibit a combination of these patterns, such as being opposite toward the base of the stem and alternate higher up.1