Alternate

Purdue Arboretum Learning System

This glossary definition is part of the Purdue Arboretum learning resource database, providing educational information on campus flora, morphology, and botanical terminology.

Synonyms: Alternatelies, Alternately, Alternates

Alternate
Arranged on different sides of a stem – usually refers to leaves that appear alternately, first on one side of the stem, then on the other – not in opposing pairs

Did you know?

Leaf arrangement is one of the fastest winter identification clues. Maples usually have opposite leaves, while oaks and elms have alternate leaves.

The Purdue Arboretum is a collaboration between the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture and Administrative Operations

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