Leaf

The term "leaf pattern" with respect to camouflage design generally refers to the US ERDL camouflage pattern worn during the Vietnam War, and the many derivatives that have been produced since. In 1948, the US Army Engineer Research and Development Laboratory (ERDL) designed a general purpose jungle camouflage consisting of mid-brown & grass green organic shapes with black "branches" on a lime green background. This pattern is generally referred to as the ERDL pattern, but has earned the nickname "leaf pattern" among GIs and collectors over the years. ERDL camouflage tropical uniforms began seeing service with reconnaissance and Special Forces personnel deployed to Vietnam in 1967, and later with the USMC and Commonwealth special forces units. The original ERDL pattern is predominantly green and is often considered a "lowlands" pattern, referring to its suitability for application as camouflage in the lush, lowland regions of Southest Asia. A predominantly brown version is often considered a "highlands" pattern, referring to its suitability for application as camouflage in the rocky, mountainous regions of Southeast Asia. The US m81 woodland camouflage pattern is a direct descendant of the original ERDL "leaf" design, being nothing more than a recoloring of the original drawings after enlarging them 60%.