What Is an Obovate Leaf: Widest Above the Middle
An obovate leaf is a leaf that is widest above the middle. NC State Extension lists obovate leaves on common pawpaw plus saucer magnolia, while Utah State University Extension defines obovate as inversely ovate.
The short answer
An obovate leaf is teardrop shaped plus widest above the middle, tapering to a narrow base where it joins the petiole. Utah State defines obovate as inversely ovate. An ovate leaf is the reverse, widest below the middle. Common pawpaw plus saucer magnolia have obovate leaves.
What does an obovate leaf look like?
The leaf is broader at the tip end than at the base, so the blade tapers toward the petiole. Imagine an egg with the narrow end at the stem.
| Shape | Widest part | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Obovate | Above the middle | Utah State |
| Ovate | Below the middle | NC State |
| Elliptical | Middle | NC State |
| Lanceolate | Below the middle | NC State |
| Linear | Same width | NC State |
Source: Utah State plus NC State Extension.
Obovate vs ovate
NC State notes ovate leaves are egg shaped plus widest below the middle. Utah State defines obovate as inversely ovate, so the widest part sits above the middle.
Which plants have obovate leaves?
NC State Extension lists common pawpaw leaves as obovate to oblong plus saucer magnolia leaves as obovate to oblong with a pointed apex.
How to: step by step
- Lay the leaf flat.
- Locate the widest part of the blade.
- Compare it to the middle.
- Check the base at the petiole.
- Compare with an ovate leaf.
- Record the tip shape too.
Troubleshooting
Widest part looks centered: may be elliptical. Measure again.
Leaflets vary: compound leaf. Check each leaflet.
Base not pointed: possibly another shape. Compare charts.
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
- Asimina triloba, NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Tree and botanical glossary, Utah State University Extension Forestry
- Extension Gardener Handbook, chapter 3: botany, NC State Extension
- Magnolia x soulangeana, NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Akebia quinata, NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
FAQ
What does obovate mean?
Utah State University Extension defines obovate as inversely ovate. An ovate leaf has the outline of an egg plus is widest below the middle, so an obovate leaf is widest above the middle. NC State Extension lists common pawpaw leaves as obovate to oblong.
What is the difference between obovate plus ovate leaves?
NC State Extension notes ovate leaves are egg shaped, widest below the middle plus tapering toward the apex. Obovate leaves flip that shape, so they are widest above the middle plus taper toward the base. Turn an ovate leaf upside down to picture an obovate one.
Which trees have obovate leaves?
NC State Extension lists common pawpaw leaves as obovate to oblong, 6 to 12 inches long. It lists saucer magnolia leaves as obovate to oblong with a pointed apex. Check several leaves since shapes vary a little on the same plant.
Can a leaflet be obovate?
Yes. NC State Extension lists the leaflets of five leaf akebia as oblong obovate or elliptic. NC State Extension notes a compound leaf has a blade divided into leaflets, so describe each leaflet on its own when naming the shape.
Why does leaf shape matter?
NC State Extension notes leaves, especially the shapes of their blades plus margins, are useful in identifying species plus cultivars of plants. Naming the shape, apex, base plus margin narrows down a plant in a key. Utah State notes dichotomous keys rely on choices between such traits.
