The portion by means of which the leaf is attached to the stem is called leaf base. Sometimes, the leaf base becomes swollen to form a sort of cushion is called a pulvinus. Examples: Mimosa , mango, etc.

Stipules are the pair of green, lateral leafy appendages located at the leaf base. A small stipule-like outgrowth is present at the base of each leaflet of the compound leaf is called the stipel. Example: Clitoria.

The leaves are arranged in a definite manner on the stem to get the maximum amount of sunlight essential for the manufacture of carbohydrate. The mode of arrangement of leaves on the nodes of the stem or on the branch in an orderly manner is known as phyllotaxy. There are three principal types of phyllotaxy in plants, i.e., alternate, opposite and whorled.