|
cuboid |
|
solid shape |
|
Generally but not strictly cubic; more or less equilaterally six-sided, each side basically square. |
|
solitary 2 |
|
habit |
plants |
Growing singly; not aggregated. |
|
thyrse |
|
nominative |
inflorescence |
An elongate, indeterminate main axis bearing numerous lateral branches, each the principal axis of a cymose subdivision. |
|
ligule 3 |
|
STRUCTURE |
|
A relatively small, attenuate, membranous, laminar enation from the adaxial surface of a leaf near its base; in Selaginella, Isoetes. |
|
filamentous |
|
texture |
|
Composed of filiform (thread-like) strands with no intervening tissue. |
|
heterosporous |
|
reproduction |
taxon |
Producing two types of spore, microspore and megaspore, which are sexually distinct and usually different in size, each megaspore giving rise to a megagametophyte, each microspore to a microgametophyte. |
|
husk |
|
STRUCTURE |
|
A more or less dry, hard or fibrous, simple or compound enclosure or outer layer of a seed, fruit or inflorescence. |
|
ovule |
|
STRUCTURE |
|
A complex reproductive structure borne by a seed-plant sporophyte, consisting of outer, sporophytic tissues that enclose a haploid, gametogenic tissue usually regarded as a highly reduced megagametophyte. Following fertilization, the entire structure matures to become a seed that contains an embryo, the first stage of the next sporophytic generation. Ovules (and seeds) are borne naked on megasporophylls (in Pinophyta) or within an ovary (in Magnoliophyta). |
|
sectile |
|
architecture |
pollinium |
Having partially separated sectors, as though cut. |
|
tuberous 2 |
|
architecture |
structure |
Resembling a tuber in shape and texture, but not ontogenetically such; esp. roots. |
|
discal |
|
position |
|
Upon or otherwise directly associated with the floral disc. |
|
apiculum 1 pl. apicula |
|
STRUCTURE |
|
A short, slender, angular tip that is not notably harder or stiffer than the main body of the bearing structure. See also mucro. |
|
floral |
|
insertion |
|
Upon, within, or associated with the flowers. |
|
pseudopetiolate |
|
architecture |
leaf |
Having a distinctly constricted, more or less stalk-like, proximal portion that is evolutionarily derived from the blade, the original petiole reduced to the point of absence or vestigiality; esp. in Poaceae (Gramineae). |
|
collar 1 |
|
STRUCTURE |
|
The free portion (if any) of a floral tube, distal to its casing and/or neck when one or both is/are present. |
|
septifragal |
|
dehiscence |
fruit |
Splitting through the exterior wall suture(s) but not the septum(-a), the valves of the wall then separating from the septum(-a) and the locules thus opened directly to the outside. |
|
chasmogamous |
|
reproduction |
flower |
Having the perianth open at anthesis, allowing deposit of pollen from other flowers (physiological receptivity aside). |
|
matted |
|
habit |
plants |
Growing in extensive, low, dense aggregations, sometimes with the stems of different plants intertwined. |
|
subopposite |
|
arrangement |
|
Alternate but verging on opposite. |
|
integumentary |
|
derivation |
aril |
Produced from or a modification of one or both seed integuments. |
|
valvate 1 |
|
aestivation |
|
Whorled and with members not overlapping, adjacent members laterally contiguous at their margins. |
|
elater 1 |
|
STRUCTURE |
|
An elongate cell with a helical, hygroscopic thickening in its wall, contained within a sporangium, expanding and contracting with changes in humidity and aiding dispersal of the spores; esp. in Hepaticae. |
|
autotrophic |
|
nutrition |
plant |
Independent of other organisms for its nourishment, itself synthesizing all essential substances not directly available from the non-living environment. |
|
microsporocarp |
|
STRUCTURE |
|
A sporocarp that bears only microsporangia. |
|
superaxillary |
|
position |
|
Internodal but close to and directly above the axil(s). |
