How do the leaves of Polygalaceae plants differ from typical legume leaves?

The leaves of plants in the family Polygalaceae differ from those of typical legumes (family Fabaceae) primarily in their structure and arrangement. While the leaves of most legumes are typically compound—often featuring multiple leaflets or specialized modifications like tendrils—the leaves of Polygalaceae are usually simple and spirally arranged, with margins that are not toothed.12

In contrast, legume leaves are characterized by their diversity, ranging from pinnate or trifoliolate forms to those modified into tendrils for climbing, as seen in species like the sweet pea. Additionally, legumes frequently possess stipules at the base of the leaf petiole, a feature that is a common characteristic within the Fabaceae family.324