Alternate
/ALL-ter-nit/🍃 Leaf Shapes● Basic
Also known as: alternate leaves, spiral
A phyllotactic pattern where only one leaf is attached at each node, with successive leaves emerging on alternating sides of the stem. This is the most common leaf arrangement in flowering plants and is found in oaks, birches, elms, and most fruit trees. Alternate arrangement maximises light capture by reducing self-shading between leaves.
Etymology
Latin alternatus (done by turns), from alter (the other)
Example
“Unlike maples, oaks have alternate leaf arrangement — one leaf per node, staggered along the branch.”