Growing Patterns

• The leaves on fruit trees appear in several arrangements. For instance, the wide leaves of the cherry tree grow to about 6 inches long and alternately along the plant's stem. Leaves on apple trees, however, grow in groups of three at each node and are paperlike and about the size of a credit card.
  
  

Shape

• The shape of fruit tree leaves gives each particular character. For instance, the leaves on the honeysweet plum tree are lobed and have five to seven prongs; purple leaf plum tree leaves are about 2 1/2 inches long and are flat and shaped like a large teardrop. Peach tree leaves are lobe-free and are long and broad with a slightly pointed end.
  
  

Color

• Fruit tree leaves come in an array of hues, include varying shades of green. Orange tree leaves are evergreen and make deep green, ovate-shaped additions to the tree that contrast the orange fruit well. Pear tree leaves are a glossy shade of medium green, similar to the color of apple tree leaves. The leaves on the Myrobalan plum tree are a deep reddish purple, coordinating with the color of the fruit.