![florida tree leaf identification guide florida tree leaf identification guide](https://leafyplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/post1993.jpg)
![florida tree leaf identification guide florida tree leaf identification guide](https://www.dailyinfographic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/fall-leaf-identification-guide-infographic.png)
The leaf apex, or the tip of the leaf, also varies based on the tree species and can range from acute, or forming an angle less than 90 degrees to a rounded apex ( Figure 5). A leaf’s base can range in shape from a blunt end or obtuse, to a wedge shape or cuneate, to truncate or flat base, or to a base with lobes on each side of the petiole or auriculate ( Figure 4). Leaf margins may consist of lobes that resemble the shape of a human ear lobe or sinuses that resemble the shape of a sinus cavity in humans ( Figure 3). A leaf’s margin often displays characteristic patterns that vary from smooth to having teeth to being lobed ( Figure 2). A leaf that is a compound leaf consists of leaflets attached to the rachis, which extends from the petiole. The basic parts of a simple leaf include the blade, the petiole, margin, base, apex, mid-rib, and veins ( Figure 1). To use the physical characteristics of leaves to identify trees, it is important to know the various parts of a leaf ( Figure 1) and their characteristics ( Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4, and Figure 5), the leaf shape ( Figure 6), the leaf type ( Figure 7), and the leaf arrangement ( Figure 8). An example would be pine trees that produce leaves shaped as needles.
![florida tree leaf identification guide florida tree leaf identification guide](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/fe/e5/3a/fee53ae80e94eaff2a804f50dc273d7f.jpg)
The most common characteristics used to identify trees are the leaves because trees produce leaves that have the same physical characteristics.