leafscar

Leafscar is a term used to describe the mark left on a plant stem after a leaf has fallen off. This scar is typically a small, visible area where the petiole, the stalk that attaches the leaf to the stem, was once connected. The appearance and size of a leaf scar can vary greatly depending on the plant species. Some leaf scars are small and inconspicuous, while others can be larger and more prominent. They may be raised, sunken, or flush with the stem surface.

The shape of a leaf scar can also be a distinguishing feature for plant identification. Common shapes include oval, circular, semicircular, or even U-shaped. Often, leaf scars are surrounded by a slightly raised or hardened layer of tissue, which helps protect the underlying stem from infection and desiccation after the leaf abscission. In many deciduous plants, leaf scars become more noticeable during the dormant season when the plant has no leaves.

The arrangement of leaf scars on a stem can also provide clues about the plant's growth habit. They are often found in patterns such as alternate, opposite, or whorled, mirroring the arrangement of the leaves they once supported. These patterns are a key characteristic used in botany for identifying different plant species, especially during winter months when other identifying features are absent. The study of leaf scars is a part of dendrology, the study of woody plants.