Deciduous and evergreen leaves differ mainly in how long they stay on a plant and how the plant adapts to seasonal changes.
1. Leaf Retention:
- Deciduous plants shed all their leaves during a specific season, usually in autumn or during dry periods, to conserve water and energy.
- Evergreen plants keep their leaves throughout the year, constantly replacing old leaves with new ones.
2. Lifespan of Leaves:
- In deciduous plants, leaves usually live for only one growing season.
- In evergreen plants, individual leaves can live for several years.
3. Adaptation:
- Deciduous plants lose leaves to survive harsh conditions like cold winters or dry seasons when water is scarce.
- Evergreen plants are adapted to stable environments where they can photosynthesize year-round, such as tropical or mild regions.
4. Appearance:
- Deciduous trees (like oak, maple, and teak) appear bare during part of the year after shedding leaves.
- Evergreen trees (like pine, fir, and eucalyptus) remain green all year.
5. Leaf Structure:
- Deciduous leaves are usually broad and thin, allowing maximum photosynthesis during favorable seasons.
- Evergreen leaves are often small, thick, and waxy (like needles or leathery leaves), helping reduce water loss.
In simple terms, deciduous plants lose their leaves once a year to survive unfavorable conditions, while evergreen plants keep their leaves year-round to maintain constant growth and photosynthesis.