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Glossary of Botanical Terms

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term definition
BulbA thick, rounded, underground organ consisting of layered, fleshy leaves and membranes.
Cactus/SucculentA plant having leaves and/or stems which are thick and fleshy.
CalyxThe sepals taken collectively. These may be distinct, or joined to form a cup or tube; they may be of any color but are usually green. When the calyx is present, it encloses the other parts of the flower in bud.
CampanulateBell-shaped.
CAN(I)Introduced to Canada
CAN(N)Native to Canada
CAN(NI)Native and Introduced to Canada
CapsuleA dry fruit that splits open along three or more lines.
CatkinA spikelike flower cluster that bears scaly bracts and petalless, unisexual flowers.
Complete flowerA flower with sepals, petals, stamens, and pistil present.
CompoundA leaf divided into two or more leaflets.
Compound leafA leaf that is completely separated into two or more leaflets.
Compound PistilA pistil made up of two or more partially or completely united carpels.
CordateHeart-shaped, with the point at the apex.
CormA short, fleshy underground stem, broader than high, producing stems from the base and leaves and flower stems from the top.
CorollaThe petals collectively; usually colored or showy. These may be distinct or united to form a cup, trumpet, tube, or two-lipped body.
CorymbA flat-topped or convex flower cluster, with the lower or outer stems longer; the flowers on these stems open first.
CrenateHaving rounded teeth along the margin.
CulmThe hollow stem of grasses and bamboos.
CuneateLeaf shape narrowly triangular, wider at the apex and tapering toward the base.
CymeA usually flattish inflorescence in which the central or terminal flower matures first.
DeciduousHaving leaves that all fall off at the end of the growing season, or at least wither up and become lifeless.
DecumbentLying on the ground but having an ascending tip.
DentateSharply toothed, with the teeth pointing straight out from the margin.
DenticulateFinely toothed.
DioeciousWith male and female reproductive structures on separate plants.
Disc flowersThe inner tubular flowers on the heads of Compositae (Sunflower Family).
EllipticShaped like an ellipse, resembling a flattened circle.
EndemicOccurring naturally only in a single geographic area.
EntireSaid of margins without teeth or lobes.
EscapeA cultivated plant that has gone wild.
EvergreenRemaining green and leafy through the winter.
FernAny of numerous flowerless and seedless vascular plants (pteridophytes) having true roots from a rhizome and fronds that uncurl upward; reproduce by spores.
FilamentStalk of stamen; bears the anther.
FloretA small flower, especially one in a dense cluster.
FloretsSmall or reduced flowers.
Flower headA dense arrangement of flowers arising from a common point, as in the Umbelliferae, or as in the Compositae where many ray flowers and/or disc flowers make up one "flower head."
FrondThe leaf of a fern.
FruitThe seed-bearing part of a plant.
GenusA group of related species classified within a family.
GlabrousSmooth; hairless.
Grass/Grass-likeHaving narrow leaves, usually arising from the base of the plant.
HalophyteA plant which tolerates a salty environment.
HastateA triangle with two sides abruptly concave; in the form of two pointed lobes pointing outwards.
HeadA compact cluster of flowers attached to essentially the same point on the peduncle.
HerbA plant that has no woody tissue.
HerbaceousHerblike; not woody.
HermaphroditeBisexual, having both male and female parts in the same flower.
HermaphroditicBisexual, having both male and female parts in the same flower.
HI(I)Introduced to Hawaii
HI(N)Native to Hawaii
Imperfect flowerA flower lacking either stamens or pistil.
Incomplete flowerA flower lacking one or more of the following: stamens, pistil, petals, sepals.
Inferior ovaryAn ovary situated below the origin of sepals and petals. In many species the ovary is below the point of attachment of all the other parts of the flower, i.e., embedded in the flower stem. It usually shows as a swelling below the flower and may be seen only by cutting through this swelling.
InflorescenceA complete flower cluster or flower head, including bracts.
InternodeThe part of the stem between leaves or branches.
InvolucreA whorl of distinct or united leaves or bracts beneath a flower or cluster of flowers.
Irregular flowerA flower unequal in the size, form, or union of its similar parts; bilaterally symmetrical. Example: Leguminosae (Legume Family).
L48(I)Introduced to the continental United States
L48(N)Native to the continental United States
L48(NI)Native and Introduced to the continental United States
LaciniateFringed or having edges irregularly and finely slashed.
LanceolateHaving the shape of a spear-head or lance.
Leafless Without leaves.
LeafletA division or part of a compound leaf.
LeafletsA division or part of a compound leaf.
LegumeAny of a large group of plants in the pea family (Fabaceae).
LenticelA corky pore in young bark.
LobePart or segment of a flower or leaf; a deep indentation that does not break the continuity of the structure.
Lobed flowerA tubular or funnel shaped flower that opens into petal like lobes.
Lobed leafA leaf with indentations not more than halfway to the midrib, with the tips of the segments rounded.
MBManitoba
Results 37 through 72 of 228