Currently, its time of plenty. from nothing a little while ago, now thousands and thousands plants of hundreds of varieties are growing everywhere. Plus, monsoon this time is wonderful – the best I have seen in my life so far. So, it is keeping me excited about what new and interesting plants I will be able to find this season. Though, a novice that I am, to attempt identifying plants, I need to wait till flowering which may also soon start as just looking at leaves doesn’t give much of confidence.
Okay, actually leaves of each one is also unique and one with some knowledge should be easily able to identify based on it. I am actually amazed at how each one has its own size, shape, thickness, colour (hundreds of shades of green) and even art.. Well, we know each plant has different looking leaves, but I must confess I had never looked at them closely before to realise the variety. I used to think that leaf characteristics may be decided by utility, but now I even suspect if each plant uses it for style statement as well.
While I am still waiting for flowers to appear, came across an interesting and what I think is an odd plant. (credit to Mom for noticing it and showing to me). It has leaves with different shapes distributed (apparently) randomly on it. I mean, I could understand if a plant had different shape/characteristics leaves based on its stage of growth / season during work life of the leaf (i.e. one that has responsibility to carry the plant through hot, dry summer vs those that need to work with no water shortage but somewhat scares sunlight.) / where leaves doubled up as petals (ok, petals are also modified leaves, but you see what I mean) but I had never seen a plant growing two different shapes of leave apparently for same functionality at same time, under same climatic conditions, at same growth stage. Plus, neither shape appeared kind of deformed – failed growth, rather both looked perfectly fit and fine and having achieved their intended shape.
Okay, actually leaves of each one is also unique and one with some knowledge should be easily able to identify based on it. I am actually amazed at how each one has its own size, shape, thickness, colour (hundreds of shades of green) and even art.. Well, we know each plant has different looking leaves, but I must confess I had never looked at them closely before to realise the variety. I used to think that leaf characteristics may be decided by utility, but now I even suspect if each plant uses it for style statement as well.
While I am still waiting for flowers to appear, came across an interesting and what I think is an odd plant. (credit to Mom for noticing it and showing to me). It has leaves with different shapes distributed (apparently) randomly on it. I mean, I could understand if a plant had different shape/characteristics leaves based on its stage of growth / season during work life of the leaf (i.e. one that has responsibility to carry the plant through hot, dry summer vs those that need to work with no water shortage but somewhat scares sunlight.) / where leaves doubled up as petals (ok, petals are also modified leaves, but you see what I mean) but I had never seen a plant growing two different shapes of leave apparently for same functionality at same time, under same climatic conditions, at same growth stage. Plus, neither shape appeared kind of deformed – failed growth, rather both looked perfectly fit and fine and having achieved their intended shape.
Compound leaves
Leaves acting as Petals
Polymorphic leaves
I don’t know if the plant is playing a survival game, growth game, upgrading to new leaf shape in phased manner or is on a quest for knowledge on different leaf forms – but if it’s the last one, I wish it a Eureka moment soon :-)
Meanwhile, google/wiki tells me that there can be polymorphism in leaves and image search readily shows up similar leave as mine too. I anyhow find these leaves quite interesting.
Meanwhile, google/wiki tells me that there can be polymorphism in leaves and image search readily shows up similar leave as mine too. I anyhow find these leaves quite interesting.
