Fiveleaf

Fiveleaf is a descriptive term used in botany and horticulture to denote plants whose leaves are palmately compound with five leaflets. It is not a formal taxonomic group; rather, it describes a morphology that appears in multiple, unrelated plant lineages. The arrangement typically features a central petiolule from which four lateral leaflets radiate, giving a star-like or hand-shaped silhouette when viewed from above; leaflets are usually oval or lanceolate, with margins ranging from smooth to finely serrated. The central leaflet is often the largest.

Fiveleaf forms occur in various plant families and genera across temperate and tropical regions, including shrubs, vines, and herbaceous species. The same leaf organization may evolve independently in separate lineages, so fiveleaf plants are not closely related botanically.

In ecology, flowers produced by fiveleaf species attract a range of pollinators, and fruit types vary widely. Some fiveleaf plants are grown as ornamentals for their distinctive foliage, while others appear as wild species in natural habitats.

In cultivation, recommended conditions depend on the species but commonly include well-drained soil and partial to full sun. Propagation is usually via seed or stem cuttings.

The term "fiveleaf" is a straightforward descriptive name formed from five and leaf, and may appear in field guides, plant catalogs, and horticultural references as alternative or informal terminology rather than a formal genus or species name.