A study in leaves...

They come in all shapes and sizes, all sorts of colors and textures.

Some are nondescript and plain,













Tetracentron sinense

while others are bold and outrageous.












Actinidia kolomikta


Some are huge,














Hydrangea quercifolia


others are teeny-tiny.













Acer monspessulanum


Some have fantastical shapes.














Ginkgo biloba (unnamed selection)


They may have two faces,













Croton alabamensis

be needles,













Microbiota decussata

or float on the water.













Nelumbo nucifera


And of course, let's not forget that within these funky structures, water is split asunder using quantum energy, carbon dioxide is cannibalized, and oxygen is generated.

Fascinating machines, these things called leaves.