What's the Difference Between Pinnate and Palmate Venation?

In palmate venation the veins radiate like a fan from the petiole. In pinnate venation the veins extend from a midrib to the edge. In some leaves the veins run parallel, as in the Ginkgo leaf. In leaves of some plants like the grasses, lilies, and corn, the veins run parallel to each other down the blade.

What's the difference between palmate and pinnate?

The key difference between pinnate and palmate is that the pinnate is the venation pattern in which one main vein extends from the base to the top of the leaf and smaller veins arise from the main vein whereas the palmate is the venation pattern in which several main veins radiate from one point where petiole and leaf ...

What is pinnate venation?

Pinnate venation is a characteristic, often used as a diagnostic or identification tool for certain types of leaves on trees, shrubs and other herbaceous plants. ... A “pinnate” venation describes a visible pattern on a leaf where there is a dominant center vein, or “mid-rib” with other veins branching off from the middle.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.