Leaves are lateral outgrowths from the stem, most commonly flat, broad, and green. This maximizes their function of absorbing sunlight and transforming it into food. Leaves have evolved into many shapes and sizes, reflecting adaptations to the environment. Leaves generally consist of a stalk or PETIOLE and a blade or LAMINA. In simple leaves the lamina is in one piece. In compound leaves several pieces of lamina are joined to one petiole.
Simple leaf	Pinnately compound leaf	Palmately compound leaf