Blattkante

Blattkante, literally “leaf edge” in German, refers to the outer margin of the leaf blade (lamina). It is a key element of leaf morphology used in botanical description and identification. The Blattkante describes how the edge of the leaf advances around the perimeter and is distinct from the leaf base, apex, and the petiole connection. It can be smooth or may exhibit a range of shapes and interruptions, often characteristic for a species or group.

Common margin types include:

- Entire (glatt): a continuous, smooth edge with no teeth or lobes

- Serrate: saw-tooth teeth pointing forward

- Dentate: teeth pointing outward, typically blunt or pointed

- Serrulate: very fine serrations

- Crenate: rounded teeth

- Denticulate: minute teeth

- Lobed or incised: margins with deep or shallow indentations

- Undulate: wavy margin

In taxonomic work, the Blattkante is described alongside lamina shape, venation, size, and coloration to distinguish taxa. Margin features can be stable diagnostic traits, though some species show variations with age, environment, or season. In herbarium specimens and paleobotanical studies, preserved leaf margins continue to aid identification and comparison.

See also: leaf margin, lamina, leaf morphology. The term Blattkante is commonly used in German-language floras and descriptions, with the English equivalent generally rendered as leaf margin or leaf edge.