The blade of the leaf varies in size, shape, and marginal features. These characteristics, together with color and extent of hairiness, are often used as identification points. Several degrees of hairiness exist. If no hairs are present, the leaf is glabrous. A leaflet is a part of a compound leaf.
Rachis is an axis bearing leaflets or flowers.
Stomata are small openings in the epidermis or surface of leaf, and leaves bearing them are said to be stomatic or stomatiferous. The petiole varies in length and shape and sometimes helps in the identification of species. Stipules vary a great deal in size, from mere threadlike appendages to those the shape and nearly the size of a small leaf. Stipules may or may not be persistent. When they fall, they leave a stipular scar on the twigs that is closely connected with the leaf scar.