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BOTANICAL GLOSSARY

Glossary of commonly used botanical terms and their definitions. Use the search bar below to look up a botanical term.

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15 Random Botanical Terms

Prickle - A sharp process on the surface of a twig or leaf, an outgrowth.

Midrib - The main or central rib or vein of a leaf.

Axillary - Growing from an axil.

Leaflet - A division or part of a compound leaf.

UPL* - Upland - Nonhydrophyte. Almost never occurs in wetlands. Occurs only in the South Pacific Islands subregion.

Complete flower - A flower with sepals, petals, stamens, and pistil present.

Androecium - Collective term for the stamens of one flower.

Cuneate - Leaf shape narrowly triangular, wider at the apex and tapering toward the base.

Infructescence - A group of fruits and associated parts arising from an inflorescence. An inflorescence with mature or maturing fruit.

Threatened - An animal or plant species likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

Compound - A leaf divided into two or more leaflets.

Rhizome - A horizontal underground stem.

FACW* - Facultative Wetland - Hydrophyte. Usually occurs in wetlands, but may occur in non-wetlands. Occurs only in the South Pacific Islands subregion.

Corolla - The petals collectively; usually colored or showy. These may be distinct or united to form a cup, trumpet, tube, or two-lipped body.

Oval - Having the general form, shape, or outline of an egg; egg-shaped.