exstipulate leaf
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An exstipulate leaf is a leaf that lacks stipules. Stipules are small, typically leaflike appendages found at the base of a plant's petiole. They can vary in appearance, sometimes resembling scales, spines, or glands.123
In plant anatomy, a basic angiosperm leaf is composed of a leaf base, stipules, a petiole, and a blade. However, some leaves do not have stipules, making them exstipulate. The presence or absence of stipules is a characteristic used in plant identification. Plants that bear stipules are described as stipuliferous. A stipel refers to the stipule of a leaflet.3145
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