Removing the periderm does not equal girdling the tree because no vascular tissue is removed and of itself this will not kill the tree. The primary phloem ultimately becomes crushed among the layers of secondary phloem in the inner layers of bark. Angiosperm leaves grow by their marginal meristems. This growth is determinate. Most leaves have a blade, stalklike petiole, stipules that may be present at the base of the petiole, and veins comprising vascular tissue.
Simple leaves are undivided, and compound leaves consist of clearly divided leaflets.