Compound leaves refer to leaves on a plant that have two or more leaflets. The leaflets attach to a common stalk, called the petiole. Different plants have different structures of compound leaves, and these structures are often used by botanists to identify plant species.

There are two primary types of compound leaves: palmate and pinnate. Palmate leaves have their leaflets attached to the petiole in a fan-like shape, while pinnate leaves have their leaflets attached to either side of the petiole like a feather. There are also bipinnate leaves, which have smaller branches of leaflets growing off the main petiole.

One advantage of compound leaves is that they allow for greater surface area for photosynthesis, as there are more individual leaves working to produce energy for the plant. Additionally, the arrangement of leaflets on the petiole can help the plant in efficient water use, as well as provide protection from herbivores.

Some common examples of plants with compound leaves include clovers, poison ivy, and maple trees. In the case of the maple tree, the leaves are easily recognizable due to their distinct five-lobed shape, with each lobe being a separate leaflet.

Overall, the structure of compound leaves is an important aspect of plant biology and plays a crucial role in plant survival and adaptation.