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scabe
The individual sharp-pointed projections making a surface scabrous. An unofficial botanical term.
0
2 key tax
scabes
scabe
0
0 key tax
a-/ab-
Away from.
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0 key tax
ab-
a-/ab-
0
0 key tax
a-
a-/ab-
0
0 key tax
a-/an-
Without, lacking, not.
0
0 key tax
an-
a-/an-
0
0 key tax
a-
a-/an-
0
0 key tax
abaxial
Of a structure, away from the axis; the lower surface of the leaf; dorsal (see adaxial).
0
150 key tax
glossary/g-dorsal-ventral.png image of plant
abcissent
Falling off or separating at a specific separation (abcission) layer, as in most deciduous plants.
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0 key tax
aberrant
Departing from the typical; abnormal, unusual.
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2 key tax
abortion
The failure of a structure to develop; the imperfect development of a structure.
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13 key tax
abortive
Hardly or imperfectly developed; rudimentary (see vestigial).
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13 key tax
abrupt
Terminating suddenly.
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0 key tax
abscission
The falling away of a leaf or other structure caused by the breakdown of cells at its base.
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5 key tax
absent
No hypanthium present.
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0 key tax
acarpous
No carpels or carpellate whorl; no pistil.
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0 key tax
acaulescent
Lacking a stem, or having a stem so short that the leaves all appear basal (see caulescent); having a subterranean stem.
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19 key tax
accessory
Buds lateral to or above axillary buds.
1
0 key tax
accessory bud
Bud lateral to or above axillary bud.
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0 key tax
accessory fruit
A fleshy fruit developing from a succulent receptacle rather than from the pistil; e.g., strawberry; the ripened ovaries are small achenes on the surface of the receptacle.
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2 key tax
accessory organs
The calyx and corolla.
2
0 key tax
accessory parts of fruits
Structures consisting of, or derived from, floral parts other than the pistil, such as sepals, hypanthium or receptacle.
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0 key tax
accrescent
Enlarging with age, as a calyx that continues to grow after anthesis.
0
15 key tax
ac/ac_05074.jpg image of plant
accumbent
Reclinate with cotyledon edges against hypocotyl.
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0 key tax
glossary/g-accumbent.png image of plant
acerose
Needle-shaped.
2
0 key tax
achene
A dry, indehiscent fruit, usually 1-seeded and small with a thin pericarp and having the seed attached to the ovary wall at a single point.
0
1082 key tax
userimg/userimg_317844.jpg image of plant
userimg/userimg_253696.jpg image of plant
misc/misc_00062.jpg image of plant
glossary/g-achene.png image of plant
achenecetum
An aggregation of achenes, as in Ranunculus.
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0 key tax
jg/jg_01366.jpg image of plant
glossary/g-achenecetum.png image of plant
achlamydeous
Without perianth.
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0 key tax
acicular
Slenderly needle-shaped.
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28 key tax
acicular leaf
Needle-like, long and slender; e.g., Pinus.
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0 key tax
aciculate
Finely marked as with pin pricks, fine lines usually randomly arranged.
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0 key tax
acidic
As strictly applied to soils, having a pH in the range of < 4.5 (extremely ) to 6.5 (slightly ); as generally applied to soils and rocks, having low levels of base-cation (calcium, magnesium, potassium) saturation, indicative of low fertility; as applied to plants, indicative of species or vegetation types that can grow in infertile substrates (see basic).
0
171 key tax
acorn
The hard, dry, indehiscent fruit of oaks, with a single, large seed and a cuplike base.
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68 key tax
acrid
Having a sharp, bitter, or biting taste.
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2 key tax
acrocaulous
With terminal branches.
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0 key tax
acrocidal capsule
One that dehisces through terminal slits, or fissures, as in Staphylea.
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0 key tax
glossary/g-acrocidal-capsule.png image of plant
acrodromous
With two or more primary or strongly developed secondary veins diverging at or above the base of the blade and running in convergent arches toward the apex over some or all of the blade length, the arches not basally curved.
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0 key tax
acropetal
Developing upward, toward apex.
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0 key tax
acroramous
Leaves terminal, near apex of branch.
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0 key tax
acroscopic
Facing the tip or apex (see basiscopic).
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5 key tax
actinodromous
With three or more primary veins diverging radially from a single point at or above the base of the blade and running toward the margin, reaching it or not.
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0 key tax
actinolite schist
A schist containing abundant actinolite, an amphibole mineral rich in iron and magnesium. Ecologically, it can be considered a mafic metamorphic rock similar to metabasalt and amphibolite.
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0 key tax
actinomorphic
Radially symmetric; describing a structure that can be divided into symmetrical halves by any plane passing longitudinally through its axis; when describing a flower, the flower then said to be regular (see zygomorphic).
0
21 key tax
glossary/g-actinomorphic.png image of plant
glossary/g-actinomorphic2.png image of plant
actinomorphous
Radially symmetric; describing a structure that can be divided into symmetrical halves by any plane passing longitudinally through its axis; when describing a flower, the flower then said to be regular (see zygomorphic).
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0 key tax
actinostele
A protostele having a xylem core in the form of radiating ribs, as viewed in transverse section.
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0 key tax
aculeate
Prickly.
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1 key tax
glossary/g-aculeate.png image of plant
glossary/g-aculeate2.png image of plant
acuminate
Tapering gradually and concavely to a sharp point (see acute, attenuate).
0
664 key tax
glossary/g-acuminate.png image of plant
acute
Sharp-pointed at the tip, the more or less straight distal margins forming an angle of less than 90° (see acuminate, attenuate).
0
883 key tax
glossary/g-acute.png image of plant
ad-
To; toward.
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0 key tax
adaxial
Of a structure, toward the axis; the upper surface of the leaf; ventral.
0
133 key tax
glossary/g-dorsal-ventral.png image of plant
adherent
Of unlike parts, sticking to one another, as the anthers to the style (see adnate, coherent, connate, connivent).
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9 key tax
adnate
Of unlike parts, grown together or attached, as an inferior ovary to the calyx tube (see adherent, coherent, connate, connivent).
0
51 key tax
adpressed
Pressed closely to axis upward with angle of divergence 15° or less.
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1 key tax
adventitious
Arising from mature, nonmeristematic tissues, especially if such a development would not ordinarily be expected; e.g., any root originating from a stem.
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3 key tax
adventitious root
Root arising from part of plant other than root; usually produced laterally on aerial stems.
0
31 key tax
adventive
Introduced but not naturalized or only locally established.
0
51 key tax
aerating
Vertical or horizontal aboveground roots.
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0 key tax
glossary/g-knee.png image of plant
aerial
In air; above ground or water.
0
32 key tax
aerial roots
Roots that grow above ground and are not covered by soil or water.
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7 key tax
aerial stem
A prostrate to erect, above ground stem.
0
12 key tax
aerocaulous
With aerial stems.
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0 key tax
aerophyllous
With aerial leaves.
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0 key tax
aestival
Appearing in summer.
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2 key tax
agamandrous
Inflorescence with neuter flowers inside or above and staminate outside or below (agamandrocephalous).
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0 key tax
glossary/g-agamandrous.png image of plant
agamogynous
Inflorescence with neuter flowers inside or above and pistillate outside or below (agamogynecephalous).
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0 key tax
glossary/g-agamogynous.png image of plant
agamohermaphroditic
Inflorescence with neuter flowers inside or above and hermaphroditic outside or below (agamohermaphrodicephalous).
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0 key tax
glossary/g-agamohermaphroditic.png image of plant
agamous
Without sex; sexual organs abortive.
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0 key tax
glossary/g-neuter.png image of plant
agglomerate
Dense structures with varied angles of divergence.
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0 key tax
aggregate
Dense structures with varied angles of divergence.
1
0 key tax
aggregate fruit
A fruit derived from two or more pistils of a flower; e.g., a raspberry. And that comprises other flower parts in addition to the pistils is said to be an aggregate accessory; e.g., a blackberry or a strawberry, in which the receptacle is an integral part of the mature fruit.
0
11 key tax
aianthous
With flowers appearing throughout the year.
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0 key tax
alate
Winged.
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2 key tax
albumen
Endosperm. The nutritive tissue surrounding the embryo in a seed
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0 key tax
albuminous
With food reserve in endosperm or albumen, derived from fertilized polar nuclei.
0
0 key tax
alga
A simple and primitive group of photosynthetic organisms formerly placed in the Plant Kingdom but now put in Kingdom Protista. Many are single-celled, but others are multicullular, including algae known as seaweeds.
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1 key tax
algae
A simple and primitive group of photosynthetic organisms formerly placed in the Plant Kingdom but now put in Kingdom Protista. Many are single-celled, but others are multicullular, including algae known as seaweeds.
0
1 key tax
alkaline
Basic; having a pH > 7.
0
36 key tax
alkaloid
Any of a large, chemically diverse group of nitrogenous, pharmacologically active ring compounds produced by plants.
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2 key tax
allagostemonous
Having stamens attached to petal and torus alternately.
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0 key tax
allautogamy
Cross- and self-fertilization in same plant, as in Viola.
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0 key tax
alleles
One of a number of alternate forms of the same gene.
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0 key tax
allelopathic
Pertaining to the release by an organism of a chemical substance that inhibits the germination or growth of another organism.
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0 key tax
allogamy
Cross-fertilization in plants.
0
0 key tax
allopatric
Occupying different geographic regions (see sympatric).
0
2 key tax
allopolyploid
Polyploid, with the genomes derived from two or more distinct species (see autopolyploid).
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5 key tax
allopolyploidy
allopolyploid
0
2 key tax
allopolyploids
allopolyploid
0
0 key tax
allozyme
Either form of an enzyme specified by an allelic gene.
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1 key tax
alluvial
Pertaining to deposition of sediment by a stream.
0
119 key tax
alluvial fan
A cone-shaped body of alluvium formed by deposition of sediment by a stream that emerges from a narrow valley onto a less strongly sloping surface (e.g., at the foot of a mountain).
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0 key tax
alluvial swamp
A swamp occupying a poorly drained floodplain habitat subject to periodic overland flooding; usually occupying a large slough, depressed area, or backswamp position in the floodplain, where water remains after flooding.
0
2 key tax
alluvium
Unconsolidated sand, silt, clay, or gravel deposited by running water (see alluvial, colluvium).
0
9 key tax
alluvia
alluvium
0
0 key tax
alpine
Of or pertaining to areas above the timberline; growing above the timberline.
0
7 key tax
alternate
Occurring singly at each node, as leaves on a stem (compare with opposite and whorled); placed regularly between, rather than over, other organs, as stamens with petals.
0
303 key tax
kb/kb_04188.jpg image of plant
glossary/g-alternate-opposite.png image of plant
alveolate
Honeycombed; having alveolae separated by thin, ridged partitions.
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12 key tax
ament
A unisexual spike or elongate axis with simple dichasia that falls as a unit after flowering or fruiting.
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11 key tax
amorphic
Flowers without symmetry; usually with an indefinite number of stamens and carpels, and usually subtended by bracts or discolored upper leaves; e.g., Salix discolor, Echinops ritro. (mostly fossil forms).
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0 key tax
glossary/g-amorphic.png image of plant
amphibious
Living on land and in water, especially if growth continues on land after the water has receded or evaporated.
0
4 key tax
amphibole
A group of dark, rock-forming minerals composed largely of silica, calcium, iron, and magnesium. Members of the group, including hornblende, actinolite, and tremolite, are common constituents of mafic igneous and metamorphic rocks. In chemical composition and general characteristics they are similar to the pyroxenes.
0
0 key tax
amphibolite
A mafic metamorphic rock composed predominately of hornblende and other silicate minerals rich in iron and magnesium (see mafic).
0
40 key tax
amphicarpous
With fruits in two environments; e.g., aerial and subterranean.
0
0 key tax
amphiflorous
Flowers above and below ground, as in Amphicarpum.
0
0 key tax
amphisarca
A berry-like succulent fruit with a crustaceous or woody rind, as in Lagenaria.
0
0 key tax
amphitropous
Curved so that both ends of an ovule are brought near to each other.
0
0 key tax
glossary/g-amphitropous.png image of plant
amplexicaul
Completely clasping the stem; usually referring to the base or stipule of leaves.
0
5 key tax
glossary/g-amplexicaul.png image of plant
amplexicaule
Completely clasping the stem.
0
2 key tax
ampliate
Enlarged; dilated.
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0 key tax
anadromous
Having the first lobe or segment of a pinna arising basiscopically in compound leaves.
0
0 key tax
anandrous
No stamens.
0
0 key tax
anastomose
(v.) To rejoin after branching, thus forming a network, as some leaf veins; (adj.) having such a network.
0
1 key tax
anatropous
Of an ovule, having an inverted nucleus, with an apex pointing to the base.
0
1 key tax
glossary/g-anatropous.png image of plant
ancipital
Two-edged.
0
0 key tax
andragamous
Inflorescence with staminate flowers inside or above and neuter flowers outside or below (andragamocephalous).
0
0 key tax
glossary/g-andragamous.png image of plant
androdioecious
Some plants with staminate flowers and some with perfect flowers.
0
0 key tax
androecium
Collectively, the stamens and any closely associated structures in a flower.
0
13 key tax
glossary/g-androecium.png image of plant
androecia
androecium
0
0 key tax
glossary/g-androecium.png image of plant
androecial
androecium
0
0 key tax
glossary/g-androecium.png image of plant
androgynecandrous
Inflorescence with staminate flowers above and below pistillate, as in the spikes of some species of Carex.
0
0 key tax
glossary/g-androgynecandrous.png image of plant
androgynophore
A stalk arising from the receptacle and supporting the androecium and gynoecium.
0
3 key tax
glossary/g-androgynophore.png image of plant
androgynous
Having staminate and pistillate flowers in the same inflorescence.
0
12 key tax
sw/sw_01518.jpg image of plant
glossary/g-androgynous.png image of plant
bas/bas_05609.jpg image of plant
androgynous spike
Carex
In Carex, an inflorescence composed of both staminate and pistillate flowers, the staminate borne above the pistillate (see gynaecandrous spike).
0
0 key tax
sw/sw_01518.jpg image of plant
androhermaphroditic
Inflorescence with staminate flowers inside or above and hermaphroditic outside or below (androhermaphrodicephalous).
0
0 key tax
glossary/g-androhermaphroditic.png image of plant
andromonoecious
Plant with staminate and perfect flowers.
0
0 key tax
andropetalous
Produced by the conversion of the stamens into petals.
0
4 key tax
androphore
A stalk supporting stamens.
0
2 key tax
anemophily
Pollinated by wind.
0
0 key tax
angiosperm
A member of a group of flowering plants characterized by having the ovules enclosed in an ovary (see gymnosperm).
0
12 key tax
angiosperms
The flowering plants. Plants that produce flowers in which the egg cells (ovules) are covered by a tissue called the ovary. The ovules develop into seeds and the ovary into a covering called the fruit.
0
0 key tax
angulate
Angled.
0
10 key tax
angustate
Narrow.
0
0 key tax
anisocarpous
With unequal carpels.
0
0 key tax
anisocotylous
With unequal cotyledons.
0
0 key tax
anisolateral
With unequal sides.
0
0 key tax
anisomerous
With different number of members in different whorls.
0
0 key tax
anisopetalous
With unequal petals.
0
0 key tax
anisophyllous
With unequal leaves.
0
1 key tax
anisostylous
With unequal styles.
0
0 key tax
annotinal
Appearing yearly.
0
0 key tax
annual
A plant that germinates, flowers, sets seed, and dies during one growing season (see winter annual).
1
0 key tax
annual ring
Usually one year's growth of wood; spring and summer wood.
0
0 key tax
annular
In the form of a ring; marked by transverse rings. 
0
9 key tax
annulate
Annular. In the form of a ring; marked by transverse rings. 
0
5 key tax
annulus
The partial or complete “little ring” of specialized, thick- walled cells that encircle the sporangia of typical ferns, aiding in spore dispersal; a ring-shaped structure.
0
7 key tax
glossary/g-sporangium.png image of plant
anomalicidal
One that dehisces irregularly, as in Ammannia.
0
0 key tax
glossary/g-anomalicidal.png image of plant
ante-
Before; in front of.
0
0 key tax
antepetalous
Directly in front of (opposite) the petals.
0
2 key tax
anterior
In front. The side of a flower is the side toward the subtending bract, rather than the side toward the axis of the inflorescence; thus the lower lip of a bilabiate flower is the lip (see posterior).
0
0 key tax
glossary/g-anterior-posterior.png image of plant
anterior lobes
The lobes away from axis, toward the subtending bract; abaxial lobes.
0
0 key tax
glossary/g-anterior-posterior.png image of plant
anterior ridges
The lines, grooves, ridges in or on the dorsal side, abaxial, within the perianth.
0
0 key tax
glossary/g-anterior-posterior.png image of plant
antesepalous
Directly in front of (opposite) the sepals.
0
2 key tax
anther
The expanded, apical, pollen-bearing portion of the stamen, comprising one or, usually, two pollen sacs and a connecting layer.
0
543 key tax
glossary/g-androgynophore.png image of plant
anthered
anther
0
0 key tax
glossary/g-androgynophore.png image of plant
anther sac
One of the pollen-bearing chambers of the anther.
0
18 key tax
antheridium
The male reproductive structure in moss and fern gametophytes.
0
0 key tax
antheridial
antheridium
0
0 key tax
anthesis
The period when the flower is fully expanded and functional, ready to shed or receive pollen; the time at which a flower expands.
0
171 key tax
anthocarpous
Having a body of combined floral and fruit parts, as in multiple fruits.
0
0 key tax
anthocyanic
Containing anthocyanins, a chemical class of water-soluble pigments, ranging in color from blue or violet through purple to crimson, often in petals.
0
1 key tax
anthocyanins
A chemical class of water-soluble pigments, ranging in color from blue or violet through purple to crimson, often in petals.
0
0 key tax
anthophyta
Within the Plant Kingdom, the division of flowering plants.
0
0 key tax
anthotaxis
Arrangement of sporophylls. Sporophyllys are leaves that bear spore-bearing cases or sacs known as sporangia.
0
0 key tax
anthropophily
Pollinated by man.
0
0 key tax
anticlinorium
A large geological fold that is convex upward, with its oldest rocks at its core and upon which minor folds are superimposed.
0
0 key tax
anticlinoria
anticlinorium
0
0 key tax
anticlinorial
anticlinorium
0
0 key tax
antipetalous
Opposite the petals.
0
1 key tax
glossary/g-antipetalous.png image of plant
antisepalous
Opposite the sepals.
0
1 key tax
glossary/g-antisepalous.png image of plant
antitropous
With radicle (portion of the embryo, below the cotyledons, that will develop into the primary root) pointing away from hilum (scar on a seed at its point of attachment).
0
0 key tax
antrorse
Directed upward or forward.
0
26 key tax
antrorsely
antrorse
0
29 key tax
apetalous
Lacking petals.
0
10 key tax
apex
The tip; the point farthest from the point of attachment.
0
1054 key tax
apex obcordate
Lobe rounded; sinus depth 1/8-1/4 distance to midpoint of blade; margins convex and/or straight.
0
0 key tax
aphyllopodic
Having the lowermost leaves reduced to small scales, so that the first foliage leaves are well above the plant base, as some species of Carex (see phyllopodic).
0
0 key tax
aphyllous
Without leaves, no whorls of leaves.
0
0 key tax
apical
Located at or related to the apex or tip.
0
132 key tax
apices
Plural of apex: The tip; the point farthest from the point of attachment.
0
372 key tax
apiculate
Terminating in a small slender point.
0
73 key tax
glossary/g-apiculate.png image of plant
apiculus
A small, slender point.
0
12 key tax
apiculum
apiculus
0
6 key tax
apicule
apiculus
0
1 key tax
apicula
apiculus
0
1 key tax
apocarpous
With carpels separate, not fused
0
1 key tax
glossary/g-apocarpous.png image of plant
apogamy
Producing sporophytes from a gametophyte without fertilization.
0
0 key tax
apogamous
apogamy
0
1 key tax
apogamously
apogamy
0
0 key tax
apomictic
Of or pertaining to apomixis, seed production without fertilization.
0
9 key tax
apomixis
Seed production without fertilization.
0
0 key tax
apopetalous
With petals distinct, not fused. (Compare with sympetalous.)
0
2 key tax
apophysis
The outer portion of a cone scale which is exposed when the cone is closed.
0
0 key tax
aposepalous
With sepals distinct, not fused. (Compare with synsepalous.)
0
1 key tax
apospory
Producing gametophytes directly from a sporophyte without producing spores.
0
0 key tax
apostemonous
With separate stamens.
0
0 key tax
appendage
A subsidiary part attached to a main structure.
0
146 key tax
appendicular
Typical stamen with a variously-shaped or modified, protruding connective, as in Viola.
0
0 key tax
glossary/g-appendicular.png image of plant
applanate
Flat, without vertical curves or bends.
0
0 key tax
apposition
Leader displacement as a short-shoot. Usually a single lateral becomes dominant; e.g., Terminalia.
0
0 key tax
appressed
Pressed close or flat against another structure, as hairs pressed to a leaf or as leaves pressed to a stem.
0
432 key tax
jwh/hardin_slide_1547.jpg image of plant
approximate
Borne close together but not fused.
0
9 key tax
aquatic
Living in water.
1
0 key tax
aquatic-emergent
Growing in water with stem and leaves extending above the surface. (Compare with aquatic-floating and aquatic-submerged.)
0
0 key tax
aquatic-floating
Growing in water with leaves floating on the surface. (Compare with aquatic-emergent and aquatic-submerged.)
0
0 key tax
aquatic-submerged
Growing in water with stem and leaves beneath the surface. (Compare with aquatic-emergent and aquatic-floating.)
0
0 key tax
arachnoid
Bearing long, cobwebby, usually sparse pubescence of relatively long, soft, tangled hairs.
0
21 key tax
glossary/g-arachnoid.png image of plant
arborescent
Resembling a tree, especially in branching pattern.
0
4 key tax
archegonia
Plural of archegonium: The female reproductive structure in moss and fern gametophytes.
0
2 key tax
archegonium
The female reproductive structure in moss and fern gametophytes.
0
0 key tax
archegonial
archegonium
0
0 key tax
arctic
Distributed in those regions lying between the Arctic Circle and the North Pole.
0
20 key tax
arctic-alpine
Referring to plants of arctic and alpine distribution but found only south of the Arctic zone.
0
0 key tax
arcuate
Curved into an arc , without regard to direction.
0
16 key tax
areola
A small, well-defined area on a surface, as that area between the veinlets of a leaf; region of a cactus bearing the flowers or spines.
0
0 key tax
areolae
Plural of areola: A small, well-defined area on a surface, as that area between the veinlets of a leaf; region of a cactus bearing the flowers or spines.
0
0 key tax
areolate
Divided into many angular or squarish spaces.
0
4 key tax
areoles
The spaces formed by a vein network.
0
48 key tax
argillaceous
Clayey; of or pertaining to plants growing on clay soils.
0
0 key tax
arhizous
Without roots, no whorls of roots.
0
0 key tax
aril
An appendage or outer thickening of the seed coat growing out of the funiculus at or near the hilum, such as the red, fleshy thickening of the seed coat in yews.
0
31 key tax
arillate
Having an aril. An aril is an appendage or outer thickening of the seed coat growing out of the funiculus at or near the hilum, such as the red, fleshy thickening of the seed coat in yews.
0
1 key tax
aristate
Tipped with an awn or bristle.
0
46 key tax
glossary/g-aristate.png image of plant
armature
Any kind of sharp defense such as thorns, spines, or prickles.
0
3 key tax
armed
Bearing thorns, spines, barbs, or prickles.
0
104 key tax
article
A unit of a constricted or jointed fruit, especially in the Fabaceae.
0
7 key tax
articulate
Jointed; having a node or joint; separating at maturity along a well-defined line of dehiscence.
0
12 key tax
articulation
A joint or point of attachment.
0
13 key tax
ascending
Referring to growth habit, arising somewhat obliquely upward, usually curved, sometimes weak-stemmed.
0
716 key tax
asepalous
No sepals or calyx.
0
0 key tax
asexual
Reproducing by nonsexual means.
0
6 key tax
asexual reproduction
Reproduction that does not depend on the coming together of male and female sex cells.
0
2 key tax
asperous
Having a rough surface.
0
0 key tax
assurgent
Directed upward or forward.
0
0 key tax
astemonous
No stamens or androecium.
0
0 key tax
astringent
Constricting or contracting.
0
0 key tax
astylocarpellous
Without a style and a stipe.
0
0 key tax
glossary/g-astylocarpellous.png image of plant
astylocarpepodic
Without a style, with a stipe.
0
0 key tax
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astylous
Style absent.
0
0 key tax
asymmetric
Not divisible into equal halves or sections; irregular in shape.
0
7 key tax
Atlantic White-cedar swamp
An evergreen forest community dominated by Atlantic White-cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) and occurring on extensive, saturated Coastal Plain peatlands. In Virginia, this vegetation type is restricted to terraces of the Embayed Region, in and around the Great Dismal Swamp.
0
3 key tax
atomiferous
Bearing sessile to subsessile glands.
0
7 key tax
atro-
Dark; blackish.
0
0 key tax
atropous
With straight body so that funicular attachment is at one end and micropyle at other.
0
1 key tax
attenuate
Gradually tapering to a very narrow tip or base (more extreme than acute or acuminate).
0
148 key tax
glossary/g-attenuate.png image of plant
auricle
A small, ear-shaped lobe or appendage at the base of a leaf or other organ.
0
157 key tax
auriculate
With ear-shaped appendages at the base.
0
117 key tax
glossary/g-auriculate.png image of plant
auriculate-clasping
Of a leaf, having earlike lobes at the base, encircling the stem.
0
0 key tax
auriculiform
Of a leaf, usually obovate with two small rounded, basal lobes.
0
0 key tax
glossary/g-auriculiform.png image of plant
autogamous
Self-fertilizing.
0
0 key tax
autogamy
Self-fertilization in a single flower.
0
0 key tax
autopolyploid
Polyploid, with the genomes all alike and derived from a single ancestral species (see allopolyploid).
0
0 key tax
autopolyploids
autopolyploid
0
0 key tax
autotrophic
Of a plant, nutritionally independent, producing its own food from raw materials obtained more or less directly from the substrate. The term generally includes mycorrhizal and nonmycrorrhizal plants, so long as they are photosynthetic.
0
5 key tax
autotroph
autotrophic
0
1 key tax
autumnal
Flowering or appearing in autumn.
0
43 key tax
awl-shaped
Narrowly triangular, short, and sharply pointed.
0
8 key tax
awl-shaped leaf
Subulate; narrow, flat, stiff, sharp-pointed, usually less than 1/2 in. long; e.g., Juniperus.
0
0 key tax
awn
A slender, more or less straight and stiff, fine-pointed appendage; may be located at the tip of a leaf or bract and a continuation of the midvein, or comprising the pappus in fruits of the sunflower family (Asteraceae).
0
404 key tax
axes
Plural of axis: A central supporting structure or line from which lateral organs or branches arise, such as a stem, bearing leaves (see rachis).
0
94 key tax
axial
With branches arising from buds in leaf axil.
0
0 key tax
axil
The point of the upper angle formed by the juncture of a stem and another structure (usually a leaf) arising from it.
0
218 key tax
axile
Of the axis; on the axis
0
0 key tax
glossary/g-axile.png image of plant
axile placentation
Attachment of ovules to a central axis of an ovary with two or more locules.
0
0 key tax
axillary
Located in or arising from an axil (the point of the upper angle formed by the juncture of a stem and another structure, usually a leaf, arising from it).
0
458 key tax
amc/amc_08201.jpg image of plant
gpf/gpf_01143.jpg image of plant
userimg/userimg_308335.jpg image of plant
axillary bud
Buds in the axils of leaves or leaf scars.
0
12 key tax
glossary/g-superposed-bud.png image of plant
axillary leaves
Leaves borne in the axils of branches, as in some species of Selaginella.
0
2 key tax
axis
A central supporting structure or line from which lateral organs or branches arise, such as a stem, bearing leaves (see rachis).
0
236 key tax
baccacetum
An aggregation of berries, as in Actaea.
0
0 key tax
glossary/g-baccacetum.png image of plant
baccate
Resembling or having the structure of a berry; pulpy throughout.
0
0 key tax
back dune
A dune situated behind and often at some distance from dunes that front an ocean or an estuary; secondary dune.
0
0 key tax
backswamp
A depressed area of a floodplain between the elevated levee bordering a channel and a valley side or terrace.
0
0 key tax
balausta
Many-seeded, many-loculed indehiscent fruit with a tough, leathery pericarp, as in Punica.
0
0 key tax
bald
A nonforested, high-elevation mountaintop supporting shrubland or herbaceous vegetation.
0
110 key tax
banded
Striped.
0
8 key tax
banner
The upper, usually wide petal in a papilionaceous corolla. (A papilionaceous corolla has the banner with two lateral petals (wings) and usually two fused lower petals (keel); as in the Fabaceae.
0
18 key tax
bar
An elongated, ridgelike landform generated by waves and currents and composed of sand, gravel, or other alluvial material; usually runs parallel to the shore.
0
54 key tax
barbate
With long trichomes usually in a tuft, line or zone.
0
0 key tax
barbed
With rigid reflexed bristles or processes.
0
36 key tax
glossary/g-barbed.png image of plant
glossary/g-barbed2.png image of plant
barbellate
With short, rigid reflexed bristles or processes.
0
23 key tax
barbellulate
With minute, rigid reflexed bristles or processes.
0
20 key tax
bark
All of the living and nonliving layers of a woody stem external to the cambium.
1
0 key tax
barren
An exposed, usually rocky, nonforested habitat in which shallow soils and drought stress limit the establishment and growth of woody plants; typically dominated by warm-season perennial grasses or lithophytic forbs.
0
381 key tax
basal
Positioned at or arising from the base, as leaves from the base of a stem.
0
1020 key tax
glossary/g-basal.png image of plant
basal angiosperm
A member of a group of primitive flowering plants herein included, with the eudicots, as part of the dicots (see eudicot).
0
23 key tax
basally
At or very near the base of a plant structure.
1
0 key tax
basalt
A fine-grained, mafic igneous rock composed largely of plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene, and volcanic glass.
0
1 key tax
base
The portion of a plant structure (such as a leaf, bud, stem, etc.) nearest the point of attachment or lowermost; the bottom. (Compare with apex.)
0
2421 key tax
glossary/g-base.png image of plant
base attenuate
Acuminate with concave margins.
0
7 key tax
base cation
The positively charged ion of an alkali-forming elements (e.g., calcium, magnesium, potassium), which, in solution can bind and remove hydrogen ions.
0
0 key tax
base cuneate
Margins straight to convex forming a terminal angle 45-90.
0
37 key tax
base narrowly cuneate
Margins straight to convex forming a terminal angle of less than 45.
0
4 key tax
base-rich
As applied to soils, containing high levels of exchangeable base cations, particularly calcium, magnesium, and potassium, indicative of good fertility; nutrient-rich.
0
0 key tax
basic
As applied to soils, having high levels of exchangeable base cation saturation (particularly of calcium, magnesium, and potassium), typically indicating high fertility; as applied to rocks, having high concentrations of iron, magnesium, and calcium; as applied to plants, indicative of species of vegetation types that usually grow in substrates (see acidic).
0
26 key tax
basicaulous
With basal branches.
0
0 key tax
basicidal capsule
One that dehisces through basal slits or fissures, as in some species of Aristolochia.
0
0 key tax
glossary/g-basicidal-capsule.png image of plant
basifixed
Attached at or near the base (see versatile, dorsifixed).
0
9 key tax
glossary/g-basifixed.png image of plant
basipetal
Developing downward, toward base.
0
0 key tax
basipetiolar
At the base of the petiole.
0
0 key tax
basiramous
Leaves on lower part of branch.
0
0 key tax
basiscopic
Toward the basal or proximal end (see acroscopic).
0
4 key tax
bast bundles
bundles of thick-walled cells parallel to the midrib, as in Isoetes.
0
0 key tax
beak
A projecting tip, as on some fruits and seeds (not used to describe a flat organ such as a leaf).
0
384 key tax
beard
A tuft, line or zone of hairs.
0
22 key tax
glossary/g-beard.png image of plant
bearded
Bearing a tuft or ring of dense, often long hairs.
0
110 key tax
glossary/g-beard.png image of plant
glossary/g-bearded.png image of plant
bent
Foliate embryo with expanded and usually thick cotyledons in an axile position bent upon the hypocotyl in a jacknife position.
1
0 key tax
glossary/g-bent.png image of plant
berries
Plural of berry: A fleshy fruit that does not split open at maturity (indehiscent), with few or more seeds (rarely just one), the seeds without a stony covering; the flesh may be more or less homogenous or with the outer portion more firm or leathery; as grapes (Vitis). (Compare with drupe.)
0
102 key tax
berry
A type of fleshy fruit, derived from a single pistil, fleshy throughout and containing usually several or many seeds, as the tomato; more loosely, any fruit that is pulpy or juicy, i.e., lacking a pit or core, such as the straw (ripened receptacle) or rasp (coherent drupelets).
0
232 key tax
glossary/g-berry.png image of plant
bi-
Two; twice; doubly.
0
3 key tax
bibacca
A fused double berry, as in Lonicera.
0
0 key tax
bicarpellate
Two-carpelled. A carpel is the basic ovule-bearing unit of flowers, thought to be evolutionarily derived from an infolded leaf-like structure; equivalent to a simple pistil or a division of a compound pistil.
0
0 key tax
bicolored
Of two distinct colors.
0
35 key tax
biconvex
Convex on both sides.
0
39 key tax
bicrenate
With smaller rounded teeth on larger rounded teeth.
0
0 key tax
bicuspidate
Having two sharp points.
0
3 key tax
bidentate
Having two teeth.
0
1 key tax
biduous
Lasting two days.
0
0 key tax
biennial
(n.) A plant that lives two years, usually forming a basal rosette of leaves the first year and flowering and fruiting the second year; (adj.) of two years’ duration. 
0
153 key tax
biferous
Appearing twice yearly.
0
0 key tax
bifid
More or less deeply two-cleft or two-lobed, usually at the tip.
0
40 key tax
biflorous
Flowering in autumn as well as in spring.
0
0 key tax
bifoliate
Two-leaved.
0
0 key tax
bifoliolate
Compound with two leaflets; two-leafleted or geminate. (Compare with bigeminate and trifoliolate.)
0
0 key tax
glossary/g-bifoliolate.png image of plant
bifurcate
Forked; divided into two branches.
0
7 key tax
bigeminate
With two orders of leaflets, each divided into pairs or geminately compound; doubly paired. (Compare with bifoliolate.)
0
0 key tax
glossary/g-bigeminate.png image of plant
bijugate
With two orders of leaflets, each bifoliolate; doubly paired.
0
0 key tax
bilabiate
Two-lipped.
0
30 key tax
glossary/g-bilabiate.png image of plant
bilateral
Borne on two sides a structure, as leaves on a stem.
0
4 key tax
bilaterally symmetric
Divisible into two essentially equal portions along only one plane. (Compare with asymmetric and radially symmetric.)
0
0 key tax
bilobed
Divided into two lobes.
0
34 key tax
bilocular
Having two locules, as some ovaries.
0
2 key tax
bimestrial
Periodicity: occurring every two months; duration: lasting two months.
0
0 key tax
binate
Twinned.
0
0 key tax
biogeography
The study of the distribution of species, both spatially and over time.
0
2 key tax
biotite
A common, iron-rich silicate mineral of the mica group usually found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
0
0 key tax
bipalmate
With divisions radiating from a single point and the divisions again radiating from a single point.
0
0 key tax
glossary/g-bipalmate.png image of plant
bipalmately compound
With two orders of leaflets, each radially divided from a central point; twice palmately compound. (Compare with palmately compound and tripalmately compound.)
0
0 key tax
glossary/g-bipalmate.png image of plant
bipinnate
With divisions positioned along and on either side of a central rachis and with these divisions again divided with their divisions along and on either side of the central rachis.
0
20 key tax
glossary/g-bipinnate.png image of plant
bipinnately compound
With leaf divisions positioned along and on either side of a central rachis and with these divisions again divided with their divisions along and on either side of the central rachis.
0
9 key tax
glossary/g-bipinnate.png image of plant
bipinnately lobed
With leaf lobes positioned along and on either side of a central rachis and with these lobes again lobed along and on either side of their central rachis.
0
2 key tax
bipinnate-pinnatifid
With leaf divisions positioned along and on either side of a central rachis and with these leaf divisions again divided with these leaf divisions along and on either side of their central rachis and with these leaf divisions lobed along and on either side of their central rachis.
0
0 key tax
bipinnatifid
With indentations or incisions positioned along and on either side of a central rachis and with these indentation/incisions again cut along and on either side of their central rachis.
0
14 key tax
biseriate
Arranged in two rows or series.
0
13 key tax
biserrate
With sharply cut teeth on the margins of larger sharply cut teeth.
0
1 key tax
bisexual
Having functional reproductive structures of both sexes (i.e. male and female) in the same flower or cone. (Compare with unisexual.)
0
156 key tax
biternate
With two orders of leaflets, each divided into threes or ternately compound; twice trifoliolate. (Compare with trifoliolate and triternate.)
0
1 key tax
glossary/g-biternate.png image of plant
bladder
A structure that is thin-walled and inflated. 
0
15 key tax
bladderlike
Thin-walled and inflated.
0
0 key tax
bladdery
Thin-walled and inflated.
0
4 key tax
blade
The expanded, terminal portion of a flat organ such as a leaf, petal, or sepal, in contrast to the narrowed basal portion.
0
2506 key tax
blade-like
Expanded and flattened, as the main portion or blade of a broad leaf. (Compare with glandular, scale-like and spinose.)
0
0 key tax


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