Separate Layer

Separating layer

The separating layer is a special layer of thin-walled, loosely interconnected cells at the base of the leaf petiole. The presence of a separating layer allows the leaves to fall off.

The cells of the separating layer have thin membranes and are weakly connected to each other. Thanks to this, they are easily destroyed and the leaf is separated from the branch. The process of separating leaves is called defoliation. It occurs in the fall in many trees and shrubs that have adapted to seasonal climate changes.

The separating layer is characteristic of deciduous plants. In evergreen species it is absent, so their leaves live for several years. The presence or absence of a separating layer is an important biological adaptation of plants to environmental conditions.