The difference between branch bearing simple leaves & a compound leaf are :
Branch bearing simple leaves
1. A branch develops from the axillary bud present in the axil of a leaf.
2. It does not have axillary buds in the axil.
3. It always, has an apical bud on the apex.
4. Buds are present in the axil of leaves attached on the branch
5. Stipules are never present on its base
6. It has internodes and nodes
7. Usually it has floral buds,
8. Its leaf base is never swollen.
9. At the time of leaf fall, branch remains attached on the stem but leaves fall down due to which the branch looks naked.
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Compound leaf
1. It does not develop from the axil of a leaf.
2. It has axillary buds in the axil.
3. It does not have any apical bud on the apex
4. Leaflets of this leaf denote have buds in its axil.
5.These may have stipules at the base
6. It does not have internodes and nodes.
7. It does not have floral buds.
8. Its leaf base is usually swollen.
9. At the time of leaf fall the complete leaf falls down.