Leaf shape

Leaf shape is highly variable, and not easily categorizable into distinct states. It may be particularly difficult, for example, to decide if your leaf is ovateovate:
(adj) egg-shaped in outline; generally with the broad end at or near the base
or lanceolatelanceolate:
(adj) lance-shaped; widest point below the middle, tapering to the apex
(or obovateobovate:
(adj) ovate, with the narrow end at the base
or oblanceolateoblanceolate:
(adj) lance-shaped, with attachment at or near the narrow end. (compare lanceolate)
) versus ellipticelliptical:
(adj) in the form of an ellipse (oval)
or oblongoblong:
(adj) two to four times longer than wide, with +/- parallel sides
. It may help to keep in mind that ellipticelliptical:
(adj) in the form of an ellipse (oval)
and oblongoblong:
(adj) two to four times longer than wide, with +/- parallel sides
shapes are symmetrical on either side of a horizontal midline and widest at the middle, whereas lance-shaped (lanceolatelanceolate:
(adj) lance-shaped; widest point below the middle, tapering to the apex
or oblanceolateoblanceolate:
(adj) lance-shaped, with attachment at or near the narrow end. (compare lanceolate)
) or egg-shaped (ovateovate:
(adj) egg-shaped in outline; generally with the broad end at or near the base
or obovateobovate:
(adj) ovate, with the narrow end at the base
) shapes are not symmetrical about a horizontal midline, and are widest above or below it.

Choose the state or states that best match your specimen. For compoundcompound:
(adj) with two or more like parts, as in a compound leaf; divided into two or more subsidiary parts or orders, as in a compound inflorescence
leaves, this feature is scored for both leaf and leafletleaflet:
(n) one of the leaf-like units of a compound leaf
shape.