leaf veins

I can't resist looking closely at leaves.  Sometimes, I take the interesting ones with me for later study.  This maple tree next to the pond always has some message or lesson for me.  

Today it displayed nice autumn color.  But later I studied the veins that give the maple leaf it's unique shape.  Not only does venation give each leaf it's biomechanical strength to grow and stay on the tree through all kinds of weather all summer long!  Veins also function as transport vessels. 

The leaf is a main component in the plant's hydraulic system to move water and nutrients from the ground throughout the tree. 

The larger veins provide immense leaf structure support, and the various smaller veins provide photosynthetic gas exchange and enable the plant's growth.