microserrated

Microserrated is a botanical term used to describe a leaf or other margin that bears very small, finely spaced serrations. The feature results in a margin that appears almost smooth to casual observation but reveals tiny teeth under magnification. Microserration lies on a spectrum of margin types and is typically distinguished from coarser serration (larger, more conspicuous teeth) and from crenation or crenulate margins, where indentations are rounded rather than tooth-like.

Description and identification

Microserration refers to margins with numerous diminutive teeth, usually less than about a millimeter in height, arranged densely along the edge. These teeth are often forward-pointing, similar to standard serrations, but their minute size can render the edge nearly smooth when viewed with the naked eye. Hand lenses or microscopes are commonly used to confirm the microserrate pattern in taxonomic descriptions.

Taxonomic and functional context

In flora and plant taxonomy, microserration can help distinguish closely related taxa where other features are subtle. The presence or absence of microserration, along with other leaf-margin characteristics, may aid in species identification and classification. Ecologically, very fine margins can influence marginal leaf texture and interactions with herbivores, though specific functional implications vary among species.

Related terms

Microserration is related to serration (coarser teeth), serrulate (more finely serrated than serrate but not necessarily micro), and doubly serrate (teeth with smaller teeth along each larger tooth). It is distinct from crenation, where the margin is scalloped with rounded indentations.

Etymology

From micro- meaning small and serration from Latin serra, “saw.”