Arrangement of leaves on a stem is called as Phyllotaxy. There are several methods that plants use to arrange leaves on their stem. It is basically 4 ways as,
Alternate
In this arrangement, leaves are arranged alternatively on the stem with one leaf per node in a straight line.
![](https://happy-botanist.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/19181129/IMG_20190831_165843-e1595162536825-1024x1024.jpg)
Opposite
Here, two leaves arise from a single node in opposite fashion.
![](https://happy-botanist.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/19181623/IMG_20180930_112017-1024x512.jpg)
Spiral
Only one leaf is present per node as in alternate arrangement. But, the leaves are arranged as a spiral which would be visible if you look down at the apex of the stem.
![](https://happy-botanist.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/29215904/IMG_20190831_152242-scaled-e1596040197334-1024x1024.jpg)
Whorled
Multiple leaves arise from a single node and each nodes are separated by huge internodes.
![](https://happy-botanist.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/29215633/IMG_20190831_165517-e1596040018848-1024x1024.jpg)
Other arrangements include Subopposite and Deccusate.
Subopposite
Here, the leaves are arranged in such a fashion that they are neither spaced far enough to be considered as alternate nor exactly opposite enough to consider as opposite.
![](https://happy-botanist.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/29220545/IMG_20190831_170400-e1596040566718-1024x1024.jpg)
Deccusate
This is where two leaves arise from a same node (opposite) in each nodes. The pairs are placed in right angles to each other.
![](https://happy-botanist.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/29220125/IMG_20190831_105339-scaled-e1596040311710-1024x1024.jpg)
Wow, finally a great botany blog in India. Great content!! I am not a botanist but love wildflowers 🌻🌻
Thank you so much for your kind words. I have to start spending more time on giving more information on this blog. You have a great blog! Most of the places you’ve visited are still on my bucket list! 🙁