Page 30 - Photosynthesis: The Green Miracle

Adnan Oktar

Triangular leaves can’t be held efficiently along twigs to harvest sunlight
because triangles don’t pack. But if the base of the leaf is tapered as well, to
a sort of kite shape, then they can be held close together in a circle, or spiral,
without overlapping. 5

Leaves’ special design also changes according to their ambient cli-
matic conditions, their life span and the likelihood of them being exposed
to insect or animal attack. Consider holly as an example: Its leaves have
sharp thorns along their edges. However, these thorns are mainly found
on leaves in the lower parts of the plant. A thorny tip is seldom found in
leaves at the top of a holly tree.
The important reason for this design is that the thorns on the bottom
protect the leaves against leaf-eating animals. Since the creatures cannot
reach the upper parts of the plant, the leaves there have no need to take

such a precaution. 6
Leaves of trees and shrubs that re-
main green all year round have a
very special design. Their needle-like
structure has been created with a
thick, waxy coating that prevents
moisture loss when the ground freez-

es.
Many climbing plants, such as
Evening Trumpet flower or vines, are
covered with heart-shaped leaves.

The sharp thorns on the lower leaves
of the holly, which animals can reach,
provide effective protection for the
plant.

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