The pattern of leaf arrangement on the stem is known as phyllotaxy or phyllotaxis (Greek phyllon "leaf" and táxis "arrangement"). These arrangements are mathematically laid, as the order of leaves are always regular and never been placed on the stem in a haphazard manner. Therefore, in each plant species, there is a definite law in accordance with which the leaves are arranged on the stem. Basically, there are 3 types of leaf arrangements in plants, namely, alternate, opposite, and whorled.
Alternate phyllotaxy is an arrangement of leaves in which one leaf arises at a node and the nodes occur on the opposite sides of the stem. China rose, mustard, sunflower are some examples of alternate phyllotaxy.
Whorled phyllotaxy, is an arrangement of leaves in which more than two leaves occur at a node. Nerium, Alstonia, etc., plants are some examples of whorled phyllotaxy.
Opposite phyllotaxy, is an arrangement of leaves in which the leaves will be present in pairs on either side of the same node. Tulsi, guava and jamun plants are some examples of opposite phyllotaxy.
In some plants, the leaflets radiate outwards from the petiole end which appears like the fingers of the palm of a hand. The plan of veination is similar to a hand. This type of leaves is known as palmately compound leaves. Here the leaflets originate from a common point. Bombax (silk cotton), Marselia, Butea are some examples of plants with palmately compound leaves.