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 ). |
basicauliramous |
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architecture |
plant |
Having the stem(s) branching at or near the base. See also basiramous. |
basicaulous |
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insertion |
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At or very near the stem base. |
basicaulous |
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position |
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At or very near the stem base. |
basifixed |
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fixation |
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Attached at its base. |
basipetal |
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development |
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Proceeding toward the base, thus more advanced apically or distally than basally or proximally within a given frame of reference. |
basiramous |
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architecture |
axis |
Branching at or near the base. See also basicauliramous. |
basiscopic |
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orientation |
subordinate structure |
Directed, facing, or pointing ("looking") toward the base of the bearing structure. |
beaded |
= moniliform |
solid shape |
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Elongate, relatively slender, transversely round, and more or less regularly constricted over its length, the whole straight or variously curved; like a necklace of beads. |
beak 1 |
= rostrum |
STRUCTURE |
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A relatively long, tapering, more or less rigid and pointed enation or termination. |
beak 2 |
= rostrum |
STRUCTURE |
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The inner, horn-like segment of a coronal lobe; esp. in Asclepiadaceae. |
beaked |
= rostrate |
apex |
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Terminating in a relatively long, tapering, more or less rigid point. See also small-beaked (rostellate). |
beaklet 1 |
= rostellum |
STRUCTURE |
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A small beak or rostrum. |
beaklet 2 |
= rostellum |
STRUCTURE |
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A sterile excrescent stigma lobe protruding between the anther and the functional stigma lobes of a column; sometimes forming one or more viscidia at pollinium maturity; esp. in Orchidaceae. |
beard |
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STRUCTURE |
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A growth of relatively long, erect, flexible, capillary trichomes from one or more limited sectors of a structure's surface. |
bearded |
= barbate |
pubescence |
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Having one or more limited sectors bearing relatively long, erect, flexible, capillary trichomes. |
bell-shaped |
= campanulate |
solid shape |
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Circular in cross-section, inflated proximally, thence broadening gradually to a flared distal portion. |
bellied |
= ventricose |
solid shape |
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Bulging unilaterally near the middle, as though with a belly. |
bent |
= flexed |
solid shape |
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Having an abrupt bend at some point along its length. See also declinate (inclinate), geniculate (kneed), inflexed, reflexed. |
berry |
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nominative |
fruit |
Indehiscent, few- to many-seeded, and derived from a single, simple or compound ovary; fleshy throughout except for the seeds. See also hesperidium, pepo. |
berry-like |
= baccate |
architecture |
fruit |
Having the structure and texture of a berry. |
bicolor(ous) |
< discolor(ous) |
coloration |
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Having two surfaces of different colors; esp. leaves with differently colored adaxial and abaxial surfaces. |
biconvex 1 |
= lens-shaped, lenticular |
plane shape |
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Elongate, narrow, broadest at the middle, attenuate to acute ends, the sides convex; like the outline of a double-convex lens viewed from its edge. |
biconvex 2 |
= lens-shaped, lenticular |
solid shape |
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Relatively thin with two round, convex, opposite broad faces intersecting acutely at the circumferential edge; like a double-convex lens. See also disciform (discoid), meniscoid. |
biennial 1 |
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duration |
plant, stem |
Normally living two years; germinating or forming and growing vegetatively during one cycle of seasons, then reproducing sexually and dying during the following one. |