Olive branch leaf arrangement

 The Olive tree (species name: Olea europaea) has a leaf arrangement that is a good example of the "Opposite & Decusatte" arrangement.  The "opposite" part refers to the leaves arranged in pairs that grow out of the opposite sides of the stem.  The "decussate" part means that the leaves are arranged on a stem in opposite pairs at right angles to those above or below.  The images below give a pretty good perspective on what this looks like.  In the case of the Olive tree the leaves themselves have a narrow lanceolate shape with a short petiole.  These pictures also show the new inflorescence forming right above the petiole on the new branch growth.

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