Arrowleaf

/ˈæɹ.oʊ.ˌlif/ noun

Definition

A plant or leaf that has an arrow-like shape, pointed and triangular with projecting lobes at the base.

Etymology

Compound noun from arrow + leaf. This vernacular plant name describes the distinctive leaf shape—English speakers named plants based on visible characteristics they resembled.

Kelly Says

Arrowleaf plants use that distinctive shape to channel water toward the stem and roots—yet another example of how arrow shapes work so efficiently that nature and human design both discovered them.

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