All Topics  
Ligule

 
Ligule

 
   Email Print
   Bookmark   Link
 

 

Ligule
 
 
  Topics Ligule Topic Home

A ligule (from Latin ligula, diminutive of liga) can be observed in the leaf
Leaf

In botany, a leaf is an above-ground plant Organ specialized for photosynthesis. For this purpose, a leaf is typically flat and thin, to expose the cells containing chloroplast to light over a broad area, and to allow light to penetrate fully into the tissues....
 of a grass. It is a thin outgrowth at the junction of leaf and leafstalk.

The ligule is found at the inner base of the leaf between where the leaf attaches to the main stem and the stem itself.






Discussion
Ask a question about 'Ligule'
Start a new discussion about 'Ligule'
Answer questions from other users
Full Discussion Forum



Encyclopedia


Ligula
A ligule (from Latin ligula, diminutive of liga) can be observed in the leaf
Leaf

In botany, a leaf is an above-ground plant Organ specialized for photosynthesis. For this purpose, a leaf is typically flat and thin, to expose the cells containing chloroplast to light over a broad area, and to allow light to penetrate fully into the tissues....
 of a grass. It is a thin outgrowth at the junction of leaf and leafstalk.

The ligule is found at the inner base of the leaf between where the leaf attaches to the main stem and the stem itself. It may take several forms but is commonly some form of translucent membrane or a fringe of hairs. The membranous ligule can be very short 1–2 mm (Kentucky Bluegrass, Poa pratensis) to very long 10–20 mm (Johnson grass
Johnson grass

Johnson grass is a plant in the grass family, Poaceae, native to the Mediterranean region, but growing throughout Europe and the Middle East. The plant has been introduced to all continents except Antarctica and most larger islands and archipelago....
, Sorghum halepense), it can also be smooth on the edge or very ragged. Some grasses do not have a ligule, for example barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crusgali).

A ligule can also be defined as a membrane-like tissue or row of delicate hairs typically found in grasses at the junction of the leaf sheath and blade. The ligule appears to be a continuation of the leaf sheath and encircles or clasps the stem as does the leaf sheath. There are three basic types of ligules: membranous, a fringe of hairs (ciliate), and absent or lacking. Most grasses have ligules, and the shape, length, and appearance of the ligule margin provide consistent characters for separating genera and some species of grasses. In grass-like plants such as sedges (Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae

The family Cyperaceae, or the sedges, is a taxon of monocotyledon flowering plants that superficially resemble Poaceae or Juncaceae. The family is large, with some 4,000 species described in about 70 genera....
) and rushes (Juncaceae
Juncaceae

The Juncaceae, the rush family, is a rather small monocotyledon flowering plant family. There are 8 genus and about 400 species. Many of these slow-growing plants superficially resemble Poaceae, though are herbs or Shrub, growing on infertile soils....
), ligules are usually absent or poorly developed.

Ligules are also present in some non-grass species such as members of Asteraceae.