Simple and compound leaves differ mainly in their structure — how the leaf blade (the flat, green part) is divided.
Here are the main differences explained simply:
1. Structure:
- Simple leaf: Has a single, undivided leaf blade attached to the stem by a petiole. It may have lobes, but they do not form separate leaflets.
- Compound leaf: The leaf blade is divided into two or more leaflets, each attached to a common stalk (called the rachis).
2. Bud Presence:
- Simple leaf: A bud is present at the base of the petiole (where it joins the stem).
- Compound leaf: The bud is at the base of the entire leaf, not at the base of each leaflet.
3. Leaflets:
- Simple leaf: Only one blade, no leaflets.
- Compound leaf: Several small blades (leaflets) make up one leaf.
4. Examples:
- Simple leaves: Mango (Mangifera indica), guava (Psidium guajava), and hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis).
- Compound leaves: Neem (Azadirachta indica), rose (Rosa), and pea (Pisum sativum).
5. Types of Compound Leaves:
- Pinnate compound leaf: Leaflets are arranged along both sides of a central axis (e.g., neem, rose).
- Palmate compound leaf: All leaflets arise from a single point at the end of the petiole (e.g., silk cotton, cassia).
In simple terms, a simple leaf has one single blade, while a compound leaf is made up of several smaller blades (leaflets) attached together on one leaf stalk.