Definition

Describing a plant that has leaves of different shapes or sizes on the same stem or plant.

Example

The heterophyllous plant displayed a variety of leaf shapes, making it unique in the garden.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a plant that is heterophyllous?

No, I haven't! What does that mean?

It means that the plant has different types of leaves on the same stem.

That sounds interesting! I would love to see one like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Heterophyllous → It is formed from "hetero-" (from Greek "heteros", meaning different) and "phyllon" (from Greek, meaning leaf). The word describes a plant that has different types of leaves.

Memory Tip

Think of 'different' ('hetero-') leaves ('phyllon') when you hear 'heterophyllous' — it refers to plants with various leaf shapes.

Visually Confused Words