Palmate

Definition

Shaped like an open hand with lobes or divisions radiating from a central point, commonly describing leaves with multiple lobes spreading from a single base.

Example Usage

The maple leaf's palmate structure, with its characteristic five points, makes it instantly recognizable.

Origin

From Latin 'palmatus', derived from 'palma' (palm tree or hand), referring to the resemblance of hand-like structures.

Fun Fact

Palmate leaves are particularly common in warm climates and appear to maximize sunlight capture and water drainage due to their spreading design.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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