Lobed
/LOHBD/🍃 Leaf Shapes● Basic
Also known as: lobate
A leaf shape where the margin is deeply indented, creating distinct rounded or pointed projections (lobes), but the indentations do not extend all the way to the midrib or leaf base. Lobes can be palmate (radiating from a central point, like maple) or pinnate (arranged along the midrib, like oak). The depth and number of lobes help distinguish species and are key identification features.
Etymology
Greek lobos (lobe of the ear, pod)
Example
“Oak leaves are characteristically lobed, with most species having between 5 and 9 lobes per leaf.”