Question

What is a leaf gap?

Answer 1

Leaf gap:

1. The break above the point of attachment of leaf trace in vascular tissue of steam is termed a leaf break or leaf gap.
2. Leaf gaps are defined as wide interstitial areas on the opposite side of the upper part of the leaf trace, where the pith and bark are filled with continuous parenchymal cells.
3. Lacuna is the terminology used for leaf gap.
4. Leaf gap is generally shown by pteridophytes like sphinostele.
5. Ferns do not show leaf gaps.

Different types of nodes present on the leaf gap are:

1. Unilacunar node - single leaf gap or 2-3 leaf traces are present.
2. Trilacunar node- 3 leaf gaps and 3 leaf traces are present.
3. Multilacunar node - the pith has many leaf traces and many leaf gaps.