isodiametric |
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architecture |
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Of approximately constant breadth in all median planes. |
division |
? lobe, segment |
STRUCTURE |
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Any generally convex, major peripheral protrusion or component sector that is delimited by concavities in the surface or margin and that is not proximally distinct from the remainder of the whole. |
root 2 |
= radix |
STRUCTURE |
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A vascularized, primary or higher-order (branch) axis that is not differentiated into nodes and internodes and that branches endogenously, together with any non-axial structures borne from it; usually growing below ground level, but sometimes structurally and functionally specialized and growing wholly or partly aboveground (e.g. aerial root, knee root, pneumatophore). |
base |
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CHARACTER |
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Configuration of the lowermost or proximal portion of a structure, its extent determined somewhat subjectively in relation to the shape of the structure as a whole. The concept of base varies from one descriptive context to another, since the base is not a clearly delimited, morphologically distinct entity. The terms for describing basal condition are not strictly coordinate logically — some are more inclusive than others, and some describe conditions involving what can be regarded as appendages — and precise characterization may require using more than one descriptor. The semantic antecedent of some descriptors is "base," whereas the antecedent of others is the structure as a whole (e.g., leaf ). |
oblate |
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solid shape |
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Symmetrically elongate and broader than long perpendicular to the developmental or polar axis. |
crumbling |
= fatiscent; > farinaceous, mealy |
texture |
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Easily disintegrating in relatively small pieces, either spontaneously or under pressure. |
pubescence |
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CHARACTER |
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Collective aspect of trichomes borne on the surface. Many of the terms traditionally used for describing pubescence have been defined and used in so many differing and often contradictory ways that they have become hopelessly ambiguous. This is attributable mainly to overdefinition within this portion of the traditional lexicon — that is, to highly arbitrary and widely variant restriction of a term's scope to some one detailed combination of trichome character states (shape, size, orientation, etc.). By derivation these are essentially general terms, really suited only for denoting overall aspect. The diversity actually encountered in nature defies comprehensive and unambiguous resolution into any limited suite of precisely specified, mutually exclusive, complex character states that can be associated with these terms, which are best used only in their general senses. Sometimes, such description will be sufficient in itself; more often, additionally or alternatively, the various attributes of the individual trichomes should be described. This is the only strategy that allows for full description of any possible condition, including the presence of more than one type of trichome. The various terms used for describing pubescence have never been semantically consistent; in some cases they refer to the trichomes themselves, while in others they apply to the bearing surface or structure; e.g., sericeous (the trichomes themselves are collectively silky) versus barbate (the structure is bearded). See also coating, indumentum (vesture). |
tri… 2 |
= thrice-…, triple-… |
prefix |
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Indicating presence of three hierarchical orders of the type of entity or pattern denoted by the term's stem; as in tripinnate. See also entries for particular terms beginning with this prefix whose meanings, at least in some applications, are more specific than usually indicated by such combination. |
epirhizal |
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insertion |
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Upon or arising from the roots. |
median |
= central, medial |
position |
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At, upon, or closely ranged about the structural or symmetrical midpoint or axis. |
flange |
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STRUCTURE |
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A relatively broad, circumferential rim or ridge that protrudes laterally. |
bundled 2 (not recommended) |
= fascicled, fasciculate |
arrangement |
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Disposed in one or more fascicles, the members of each inserted close together and only slightly if at all divergent from one another. |
alveolate |
= honeycombed |
relief |
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Having generally uniform, regularly and closely disposed, transversely polygonal depressions overall, the pattern resembling the external aspect of a honeycomb. |
dimidiate |
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solid shape |
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Halved, figuratively; bilaterally asymmetric, nearly or wholly lacking one side as implicitly compared with some corresponding bilaterally symmetric structure, real or imagined. |
reticulodromous |
|
venation |
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Having a single median primary vein that branches to either side along the length of the lamina, the secondary veins running thence toward the margin, branching repeatedly, becoming less distinct, and yielding a dense higher-order reticulum near the margin. |
vallecular |
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position |
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In or otherwise directly associated with the valleculae; esp. in fruits of Apiaceae (Umbelliferae). |
awl-shaped 2 |
= subulate |
solid shape |
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Slender, essentially terete, and straight, gradually attenuate from a relatively narrow base to a very narrow, blunt to angular apex. |
worm-shaped |
= vermiculate |
solid shape |
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Basically cylindric, elongate, and slender with bluntly rounded ends, variously curved over its length. |
small-dotted |
= puncticulate |
relief |
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Finely dotted (punctate). |
coloration |
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CHARACTER |
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Hue(s), intensity(ies), and/or pattern (if any) of coloring. When more than one hue and/or intensity is involved, a term describing the pattern of contrast will be applicable, and the description as a whole should be phrased to indicate the particular role of each in the pattern; e.g., "ovaries striate, yellow on green"; "petals pink, spotted yellow basally"; "sepals green, suffused with red". |
chaffy 1 |
= paleaceous |
pubescence |
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Of or bearing small, thin, more or less erect, papery (chartaceous) to membranous, planate trichomes. |
headless 1 |
= acephalous |
architecture |
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Not terminated or surmounted by a head-like structure, esp. when one might be expected. |
pinnatifid |
> pinnatisect; < pinnate |
plane shape |
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Pinnately divided. |
areole 1 |
= areola |
STRUCTURE |
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Any distinctive surficial discontinuity of generally circular outline, whether concave, flush, or convex; when protuberant, sometimes bearing trichomes or spines, as in some Cactaceae. This term is used only when such entities are deemed structurally distinctive enough to merit description in their own rights, rather than as aspects of the surface. |
latex pl. latices, latexes |
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SUBSTANCE |
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A moderately viscous and sticky exudate, often milky, sometimes otherwise colored or clear. Overlaps conceptually with gum. |