Continuing with the previous topic, today we will describe the leaves of the ocumo crop, the leaves of these plants are usually peltate in shape. They are generated in the apical meristem of the corm and appear rolled at the base forming a pseudostem. The new leaves are rolled out from between the petioles of the already formed and the older lateral leaves.
▶ The leaves of the ocumo crop wither and dry in the first six months, the leaf area increases rapidly, and then remains stable while the weight of the subway organs increases. The petiole is cylindrical at the base and grooved at the top, showing a coloration that varies according to the clone.
▶ Credits: alchetron. – [Image of Public Domain]
A distinctive feature is the presence of yellow or pink longitudinal lines and reddish to purplish spots or dots towards the base.
The petiole is inserted in the middle part of the leaf blade from which it goes directly to the three main nerves; the angle formed by the petiole with the lamina is a varietal characteristic.
In some clones the insertion of the petiole determines that the lamina takes an upright position and in others an inclined one. The length: width ratio varies with the clone.
From the insertion of the petiole starts the central nerve, which ends at the apex of the leaf and two basal nerves. The color varies from light green to purple-green.
NOTE: Reference material.