capitulescence |
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architecture |
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Mode or progressive pattern of bearing capitula (heads); most appropriately described using adjectival terms; esp. in Asteraceae (Compositae). |
solitary 2 |
|
habit |
plants |
Growing singly; not aggregated. |
saprophytic |
|
nutrition |
plant |
Heterotrophic and obtaining essential nourishment directly from the decomposing remains of other organisms. |
continuous 3 |
|
architecture |
rachilla, rachis |
Not disarticulating at maturity. |
involucre 1 |
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STRUCTURE |
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One or more closely proximate whorls, or a compact spiral, of bracts immediately subtending an inflorescence, the bracts sometimes leaf-like, sometimes petaloid. |
acrocaulous |
|
insertion |
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At or very near the stem tip. |
infructescence 1 |
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STRUCTURE |
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A mature (fruiting) inflorescence (static sense). |
basiscopic |
|
orientation |
subordinate structure |
Directed, facing, or pointing ("looking") toward the base of the bearing structure. |
muticous |
|
apex |
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Lacking a distinct terminal point (when one might be expected). |
symmetric(al) 1 |
|
plane shape |
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Divisible into essentially equal halves along one or more lines or planes. |
sporophyte |
|
PLANT |
|
The main, ultimate, spore-bearing stage in the diploid (2n chromosomes) phase of a taxon's life cycle. Two morphologically and genetically distinct and alternate phases together constitute the complete life cycle in sexually reproducing taxa, the other phase (gametophytic) being haploid (n chromosomes). Any taxon whose life cycle is confined to one or the other phase is limited to asexual means of reproduction, since sexual reproduction with consequent genetic recombination is impossible without alternation between haploid and diploid states via meiosis and fertilization. The term sporophytic applies to any part of the diploid phase, including all unicellular to multicellular entities belonging to it, whereas sporophyte is reserved for the principal and directly spore-producing stage of that phase. |
spikeleted |
|
architecture |
inflorescence |
Having the penultimate subdivisional order consisting of spikelets. |
oblong 1 |
|
plane shape |
|
Compressed-elliptic, the sides approximately parallel from near one end to near the other. See also elliptic(al) (oval). |
diffuse-porous |
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porosity |
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Homogeneously porous, the vessels not differentially disposed by size or number. |
nodulose |
|
solid shape |
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Diminutively nodose; esp. roots of Fabaceae (Leguminosae), the nodules harboring nitrogen-fixing bacteria. |
tepal |
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STRUCTURE |
|
Any member of an undifferentiated perianth; may be green and foliaceous or colored and petaloid, distinct or else connate with one or more others, and/or free or else adnate with one or more other floral structures. |
staminate |
|
architecture |
inflorescence, flower, floret |
Having functional stamens but no functional pistils, thus unisexual and male. |
epibracteal |
|
position |
|
Upon the bracts, or partially adnate thereto and apparently arising therefrom. |
drupelet |
|
nominative |
fruit |
Diminutively drupe-like but derived from one of the simple, superior ovaries of an apocarpous flower, having a fleshy fruit wall and a hard seed (pyrene) within, a distinct constituent in an aggregate fruit; esp. in Rosaceae. |
face |
|
FEATURE |
|
A relatively large, flat or shallowly curved portion of the external surface of a three-dimensional structure, bounded by more or less distinct topological discontinuities. |
U-form |
|
arrangement |
bundle scars |
Disposed in a truncated elliptical pattern, like the letter U. |
flange |
|
STRUCTURE |
|
A relatively broad, circumferential rim or ridge that protrudes laterally. |
peloric |
|
architecture |
corolla |
Regular when the usual condition in the taxon is irregular. |
petal |
|
STRUCTURE |
|
One of the one or more constituent members of a corolla; colored and showy in many taxa, inconspicuous in size and/or color in others; may be distinct or else connate with one or more others, and/or may be free or else adnate to one or more other floral structures. |
antheridium pl. antheridia |
|
STRUCTURE |
|
A male gametangium; a multicellular fertile organ of a mature gametophyte within which male gametes (antherozoids, spermatozoids) are produced and from which they are discharged, in some taxa forcibly, through a pore. Technically present but highly reduced and of no descriptive significance in Magnoliophyta and part of Pinophyta. |