Fenestration, also known as “leaf fenestration” is a phenomenon that occurs when the leaf of a large plant splits and develops holes, appearing sliced on the edges. The type and number of leaf fenestrations can vary greatly depending on the plant species and age.
Leaf fenestration is caused by a lack of growth in the leaves’ cells, whether they are blocked or die during the leaf’s development. The evolutionary advantages of fenestration are largely unknown, however, it is thought that this might help protect the plant by reducing how much the delicate leaves catch heavy winds, or to increase how much water is directed to the roots of the plant.
Fenestration may also be a term used to describe plants which have naturally-occurring holes or slices in their trunks or woody stems as well.
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