What Is an Acuminate Tip: A Long Tapering Leaf Point
An acuminate tip is a leaf apex that ends in a long, narrow point. NC State Extension defines acuminate as a prolonged apex tapering to a long, narrow point, while NC State lists flowering dogwood leaves as acuminate.
The short answer
An acuminate tip is a leaf apex whose sides curve inward then taper to a long, fine point. NC State Extension contrasts it with an acute tip, which ends in a sharp angle without the long taper. Flowering dogwood leaves show acuminate tips.
What does an acuminate tip look like?
The blade narrows toward the apex, then stretches into a long, narrow point, as NC State Extension defines it.
| Apex | Shape | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Acuminate | Long, narrow point | NC State |
| Acute | Sharp angle | NC State |
| Obtuse | Blunt angle | NC State |
| Retuse | Shallow notch | NC State |
| Emarginate | Notch | NC State |
Source: NC State Extension.
Acuminate vs acute
NC State notes an acute apex ends in a sharp angle. An acuminate apex goes farther, stretching into a long, narrow point.
Which plants show it?
NC State Extension lists flowering dogwood leaves as oval to ovate with an acuminate tip.
How to: step by step
- Lay the leaf flat.
- Study the apex.
- See whether the sides curve inward.
- See whether the point is long plus fine.
- Compare with an acute tip.
- Record the leaf shape too.
Troubleshooting
Tip looks stubby: may be acute. Compare charts.
Each lobe pointed: check each lobe tip. Name each lobe apex.
Tip damaged: check other leaves. Use an intact leaf.
For more on leaves see cannabis leaf anatomy, cannabis nodes and internodes plus companion plants when growing marijuana. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Cornus florida, NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Extension Gardener Handbook, chapter 3: botany, NC State Extension
- Tree and botanical glossary, Utah State University Extension Forestry
- Extension Gardener Handbook glossary, NC State Extension
FAQ
What does acuminate mean?
NC State Extension defines acuminate as a prolonged apex tapering to a long, narrow point. NC State Extension lists flowering dogwood leaves as acuminate. The term describes the apex of a leaf, while other terms describe the overall shape of the blade.
What is the difference between acuminate plus acute tips?
NC State Extension notes an acute apex ends in an acute angle with a sharp point. An acuminate apex stretches beyond that into a long, narrow point. Look at how far the point extends past where the sides start to narrow.
Which trees have acuminate tips?
NC State Extension lists flowering dogwood leaves as oval to ovate with an acuminate tip. The leaves are 2.5 to 6 inches long with 6 or 7 vein pairs. Check several leaves on a plant, since tips can vary a little between young plus older leaves.
Where is the apex of a leaf?
The apex is the tip of the leaf blade, opposite the base where the petiole joins. NC State Extension describes common apex shapes such as acuminate, acute, obtuse, retuse plus emarginate. Its glossary defines apex more broadly as the tip of a stem or root.
Can a lobed leaf have acuminate tips?
NC State Extension describes apex shapes such as acuminate plus acute for the tip of a blade. NC State Extension notes lobed leaves are simple leaves with indentations reaching halfway or less to the center. Describe the tip of each lobe when naming the apex.
