<![CDATA[Plant morphology is a branch of biology that examines the physical forms, structures, and characteristics of plants. Compound leaves, defined as leaves bearing more than one leaflet on a single petiole, exhibit considerable morphological diversity across species. This study aimed to identify and compare the morphological characteristics of compound leaves from four plant species, namely cassava (Manihot esculenta), moringa (Moringa oleifera), starfruit (Averrhoa bilimbi L.), and sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica), with a focus on distinguishing the main petiole, leaflet stalk, and leaflet arrangement of each species. Morphological observation was conducted through direct visual examination of fresh leaf specimens, recording characteristics including leaf type, leaflet shape, venation pattern, surface texture, and leaflet arrangement along the rachis. The findings revealed distinct morphological profiles among the four species. Cassava leaves were identified as palmate compound leaves with 3-8 finger-like leaflets radiating from the tip of the main stalk. Moringa leaves were classified as triply odd-pinnate compound leaves with small, oval leaflets arranged alternately along the rachis. Starfruit leaves were identified as odd-pinnate compound leaves consisting of 21-24 pairs of oval leaflets with pinnate venation and a finely hairy surface. Sensitive plant leaves were identified as bipinnate compound leaves whose leaflets fold upon physical contact. It can be concluded that each species exhibits a unique combination of compound leaf morphological traits that serves as a reliable basis for visual identification and reflects functional adaptation to the respective plant's ecological environment.]]>
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