Opposite
/OP-oh-zit/🍃 Leaf Shapes● Basic
Also known as: opposite leaves, decussate
A phyllotactic pattern where two leaves emerge at each node, positioned directly across the stem from each other. Successive pairs typically rotate 90° (decussate arrangement). Opposite leaf arrangement is found in maples, ash, dogwood, and many mints. The mnemonic "MAD Cap Horse" helps remember common opposite-leaved trees: Maple, Ash, Dogwood, Caprifoliaceae, Horse chestnut.
Etymology
Latin oppositus (placed against), from opponere (to set against)
Example
“Maple trees have opposite leaf arrangement — each pair of leaves emerges directly across from each other on the branch.”