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Wordless Wednesday: You’re a star

Today’s Wordless Wednesday was inspired by yesterday’s post: Urban Science Adventure: Art and Science of Autumn Leaves. This star-shaped leaf is from a Sweetgum tree.

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American



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Today's Wordless Wednesday was inspired by yesterday's post: Urban Science Adventure: Art and Science of Autumn Leaves.

This star-shaped leaf is from a Sweetgum tree. This leaf shape is also called palmate, since it resembles the palm of the hand. All of the leaf veins for each of the 'fingers' or points of the star all begin at the same point - or wrist of the palm were the lead stem attaches to the leaf. This vein pattern is also called palmate venation.

Have you ever noticed any star-shaped or palmate leaves in your yard or neighborhood? Go out and take a walk and look for them.

DNLee is a biologist and she studies animal behavior, mammalogy, and ecology . She uses social media, informal experiential science experiences, and draws from hip hop culture to share science with general audiences, particularly under-served groups.

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