longlanceolate

Longlanceolate is a term used in botany to describe the shape of a leaf or other plant organ. It refers to a shape that is elongated and tapers towards both the apex and the base, resembling a lance. The "long" prefix indicates that the length is significantly greater than the width, and the "lanceolate" portion describes the tapering.

A longlanceolate shape is wider below the middle and gradually narrows towards the tip, with a more gradual taper towards the base. This contrasts with ovate, which is wider at the base and tapers to a point, or elliptic, which is widest at the middle and tapers equally to both ends. The ratio of length to width is important in distinguishing longlanceolate from other lanceolate variations. For example, a strictly lanceolate leaf might have a length-to-width ratio of around 3:1 or 4:1, whereas a longlanceolate leaf would have a higher ratio, perhaps 5:1 or more, emphasizing its elongated form.

This shape is common in many plant species and can be an important characteristic for identification. It allows for efficient light capture and transpiration. Examples of plants with longlanceolate leaves can be found across various families, and the term is a precise descriptor used by botanists in plant descriptions and keys.