Leaf

photosynthesis · plants · nature

Nature's Solar Panels. Leaves are packed with a green chemical called chlorophyll that catches sunlight and transforms it into food energy. This process, called photosynthesis, is how plants feed themselves without eating anything.

Two Totally Different Sides. The top of a leaf looks and feels different from the bottom. The top side is smooth and shiny to catch more sunlight, while the bottom has tiny holes called stomata that let air in and water out.

Green With Variation. Most leaves are green because of chlorophyll, but some leaves have white or lighter-colored patches called variegated leaves. These beautiful patterns make certain plants popular in gardens and homes.

Part of the Big Picture. A leaf doesn't work alone. It's attached to the stem, and together with stems, flowers, and fruit, leaves form the shoot system that lets a plant grow and make new seeds.

Tiny Breathing Holes. Those small openings on the bottom of leaves, called stomata, let plants breathe in carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen back out. They're also how plants lose water when they need to cool down.