folíolo
Folíolo is a botanical term used to describe a leaflet, the individual segment of a compound leaf. In leaves that are divided into multiple leaflets, each folíolo represents a distinct blade that contributes to the overall photosynthetic surface. The term is commonly used in Spanish and Portuguese, and in English the corresponding word is leaflet, though folíolo may appear in some scientific texts.
Morphology and terminology context: In many compound leaves, leaflets attach to a central axis called the rachis.
Distribution and examples: Leaflets are common in several plant families, notably the Fabaceae (legumes), where many
Function and significance: The folíolo contributes to the leaf’s photosynthetic capacity while allowing the plant to