Perforate leaf

Perforate leaves, sometimes called fenestrate, occur naturally in some species of plants.

This trait is found in only one species in Aponogetonaceae, Aponogeton madagascariensis (Madagascar laceleaf), and a few genera in Araceae, particularly Monstera.

It is not fully known what evolutionary purpose perforation serves, but there are several possibilities.

Perforation could serve the purpose of reducing the variations in growth rate, minimize chances of leaves tearing in high winds or it could help to maximize the amount of rain able to reach the plant's roots.

This, however, is unlikely in relation to hemiepiphytic aroids, which often displays this trait, due to the tendency of juvenile leaves not being perforated.