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Glossary of Botanical Terms

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term definition
ABAlberta Canada
AcaulescentWithout a distinct stem.
AcheneA dry, usually one-seeded, indehiscent fruit.
AcornA usually one-seeded (occasionally two-seeded) nut enclosed in a hard, leathery shell and subtended by a scaly cup. The fruit of any species in the genera, Quercus or Lithocarpus.
ActinomorphicRefers to flowers that can be divided into equal halves along any axis (radially symmetric).
AcuminateGradually tapering to a point.
AcutePointed apex with margins that form an angle between 45 and 90 degrees.
AggregateFruit developed from multiple pistils in a single flower, e.g. raspberry (Rubus spp.).
AK(I)Introduced to Alaska
AK(N)Native to Alaska
AK(NI)Native and Introduced to Alaska
AlternatePlaced singly at different heights on the stem; not opposite or whorled.
AndroeciumCollective term for the stamens of one flower.
AnemophilousWind pollinated.
AnnualA species that grows from seed, flowers, fruits and dies within one year's time. See also, Winter Annual.
AntherThe specialized, pollen-bearing structure of a plant's flower.
ApexThe topmost or distal portion of a plant or plant part.
ApicalSituated at or near the tip.
ApiculateEnding abruptly with a sharp, flexible tip.
AppressedPressed or lying flat against something.
AreoleA spot in the form of a pit or a raised area on the surface of a cactus through which spines or other structures grow.
ArilAn outer covering or appendage of some seeds.
AristateEnding in a stiff, bristle-like point.
AsymmetricLacking symmetry, e.g., the two halves of a leaf blade not alike.
AttenuateA tapering leaf base with concave margins that form an angle less than 45 degrees.
AxilThe upper angle between two structures or organs, as where a leaf or branch joins the stem.
AxillaryGrowing from an axil.
BarkTough outer covering of trunks or stems of trees, shrubs, and vines.
Basal leavesThe leaves that are concentrated near the base of the main stem.
BCBritish Columbia
BeardA tuft or line of hairs, as on certain petals.
BerryA fleshy, indehiscent fruit with few to many seeds.
BiennialA plant that takes two years to complete the flowering cycle. Typically it grows vegetatively the first year and flowers and fruits during the second year before dying.
Bilateral symmetryUsually referencing flower structure, descripes a plant part or parts that may be divided along a single plane forming two mirror-image halves; zygomorphic, irregular flower.
BipinnateTwice-pinnate.
BisexualA flower with both stamens and pistils.
 
Results 1 through 36 of 271