Fanleaf

/ˈfænlif/ noun

Definition

A large, spreading leaf shaped like a fan, or a tropical plant with fan-shaped foliage.

Etymology

Compound of 'fan' and 'leaf.' This term appears in botanical literature from the 18th century when European botanists catalogued tropical plants with distinctive foliage shapes.

Kelly Says

Some fanleaf plants like the Licuala have leaves so perfectly fan-shaped that indigenous peoples use individual leaves as perfect circular umbrellas—nature's origami!

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