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<strong>Botanical</strong><br />
abbreviate (adj) shortened<br />
glossary<br />
A<br />
abnormal (adj) different in some manner from other specimens in the taxon<br />
acerose (adj) needle-shaped; narrower than subulate, tapering more gradually to a point<br />
acetabuliform (adj) concave, with slightly inturned border<br />
acinaciform (adj) scimitar-shaped<br />
active trap (n) a trap which is capable of some degree of movement to catch or detain its prey (see also passive trap)<br />
acuminate (adj) (of leaves) long and pointed; tapering gradually to a point<br />
acuminose (adj) rather less gradual than acuminate<br />
acute (adj) ending in a sharp point (usually of leaves); tapering without curvature to a point; forming an angle of less<br />
than 90 degrees<br />
adventitious (adj) not assimilated or yet established<br />
affixed (adj) of aquatic plants, rooted in soil but growing in open water<br />
ala (n) wing or keel (of a pitcher etc.)<br />
Aldrovanda (g) a montypic genus of aquatic plant having 'sprung' traps similar in form to those of Dionaea<br />
ambit (n) the outline of a shape or body<br />
amplexicaul (adj) clasping the stem, eg: sessile leaves that connect broadly around the stem<br />
anatropous (adj) turned back on itself
anceps (adj) two-edged<br />
androecium (n) the stamens collectively<br />
androgynous (adj) with stamens and pistils in the same flower or inflorescence<br />
angular (adj) having projecting longitudinal angles; undulate, but sharply angled rather than gently rounded<br />
angustate (adj) attenuate; tapering smoothly and concavely to a point<br />
anther (n) the apical portion of the stamen containing pollen<br />
apex (n) tip, pointed end<br />
apical (adj) of the apex<br />
a name="apiculate"apiculate (adj) terminating abruptly in a hard point<br />
appendage (n) a projecting part of a structure<br />
apressed (adj) pressed closely to or lying flat against<br />
aquatic (adj) living in water either free-floating or affixed<br />
arachnoid(eous) (adj) covered with long hairs like a cobweb<br />
aristate (adj) of a leaf terminating in an abrupt point, being a projection of the midrib<br />
articulate (adj) having clearly distinguishable parts<br />
ascidium (n) the tubular trap formed by a pitcher; the opening of such a trap<br />
asperous (adj) rough to the touch<br />
attenuate (adj) narrowing gradually to a point<br />
attenuated (adj) diminishing in width<br />
auricle (n) an ear-shaped structure<br />
auriculate (adj) ear-shaped; with the leaf base composed of two rounded lobes<br />
autogamous (adj) capable of self-fertilisation<br />
axil (n) the angle between a leaf or branch and the stem or trunk it springs from<br />
axillary (n) in or produced from an axil<br />
axis (n) the central column of an inflorescence or other structure<br />
B
asal (adj) of, at or forming a base<br />
bicrenate (adj) crenate with the teeth also crenate<br />
bifurcate (v) split into two<br />
bilocular (adj) having two small, independent chambers<br />
Biovularia (g) a former genus of carnivorous plant from South America currently incorporated in Utricularia<br />
biserrate (adj) serrate with the teeth also serrate<br />
bladder (n) a hollow chamber designed for trapping or flotation, notably in bladderworts<br />
bladderwort (n) any plant of the genus Utricularia<br />
boreal (adj) a climatic zone bordering the Arctic or Antarctic<br />
botuliform (adj) sausage shaped; long and cylindrical with each end curved inwards<br />
bract (n) a modified leaf providing an axil for a flower or inflorescence to grow from, or found on a flowering stem<br />
Brocchinia (g) a small genus of bromeliads of which two species to date have been found to be carnivorous<br />
bud (n) a small cell-mass in the process of dividing from a stem to form a flower, leaf or another stem<br />
bullate (adj) having a pimpled or blistered surface<br />
C<br />
calyx (n) a protective structure around a flower formed by the sepals collectively<br />
campanulate (adj) bell-shaped; resembling flowers of the genus Campanula<br />
campaniform (adj) bell-shaped; resembling flowers of the genus Campanula<br />
canaliculate (adj) grooved or channelled longitudinally<br />
capilliform (adj) hair-shaped; finer than filiform<br />
capitate (adj) terminated by an enlarged and rounded head<br />
carinate (adj) having a keel; the midrib forming a keel<br />
carpel (n) collectively the stigma, style and ovary; the female reproductive parts of a flower<br />
Catopsis (g) a genus of bromeliads of which only one species has been found to be carnivorous<br />
caudate (adj) possessing or in the form of a spur; extremely acuminate<br />
caulescent (adj) (usually of flowers) more or less stemmed; appearing to have a stem<br />
cauline (adj) of or belonging to the stem
cell (n) the structural unit of an organism; a cavity<br />
Cephalotus (g) a monotypic genus of pitcher plant from SW Australia; the Albany Pitcher Plant<br />
chasmogamous (adj) requiring opening of the flower for pollination<br />
chemonastic (adj) regarding the chemically-induced movement of plant parts<br />
cilium (n) a small hair, often motile<br />
ciliate (adj) regarding or resembling the action of cilia<br />
circinate (adj) rolled into a coil with the apex at the centre<br />
cirrhous (adj) terminated by a tendril, being a projection of the midrib<br />
claviform (adj) club-shaped; tapering upwards from a narrow base<br />
cleistogamous (adj) capable of pollination without the flower opening; self-pollinating<br />
clone (n) a plant produced by asexual reproduction, eg: from cuttings.<br />
clypeate (adj) shield-shaped; almost the same as scutate<br />
cochleate (adj) shaped like a snail shell<br />
column (n) the plant structure that supports the lid of a pitcher<br />
commissure (n) point of joining<br />
compressed (adj) flattened longitudinally<br />
congruent (adj) structurally identical in form and size<br />
conical (adj) perfectly cone-shaped<br />
connate (adj) of plant parts congenitally united into a single structure<br />
conoidal (adj) imperfectly conical<br />
cordate (adj) heart-shaped; in the form of two rounded lobes<br />
cordiform (adj) heart-shaped; in the form of two rounded lobes<br />
coriaceous (adj) leathery<br />
corniculate (adj) horn-shaped (of an extremity)<br />
corolla (n) the innermost whorl of petals in a flower<br />
corona (n) a crown-like growth on the inside of the corolla<br />
cotyledon (n) an embryonic leaf within or newly emerged from a seed<br />
cotyliform (adj) rotate, but with an erect limb<br />
crateriform (adj) goblet-shaped
crenate (adj) furnished with convex-sided teeth<br />
crenulated (adj) minutely crenate<br />
crispate (adj) curly, in the manner of parsley<br />
cristate (adj) in the form of a crest; irregularly notched<br />
crustaceous (adj) having a hard shell<br />
cubical (adj) forming a cube or appearing similar to a cube<br />
cucullate (adj) hooded<br />
cuneate (adj) wedge-shaped<br />
cuneiform (adj) wedge-shaped; in the form of a rounded isosceles triangle with the blunt end outermost<br />
cupule (n) a cup-shaped structure<br />
cupuliform (adj) cupola-shaped; shallowly concave with an entire, or nearly so, margin<br />
curved (adj) bent in the form of an arc<br />
cuspidate (adj) tapering evenly to a hard point<br />
cylindrical (adj) forming a nearly true cylinder<br />
cyathiform (adj) cup-shaped<br />
cymbiform (adj) boat-shaped; concave, tapering at each end and keeled<br />
cyme (n) an inflorescence in which the flowers open in order from the terminal point of the primary axis to those of the<br />
higher axial orders in<br />
turn<br />
cymose (adj) in the manner of a cyme<br />
daedaleous (adj) truncate, but raggedly so<br />
D<br />
Darlingtonia (g) a monotypic genus of pitcher plant native to the Western US; Cobra Lily<br />
deciduous (adj) periodically shed (often of leaves)<br />
decumbent (adj) lying along the ground<br />
decurrent (adj) running down the stem; facing downwards<br />
decurved (adj) curved downwards<br />
dehisc (v) to shed pollen or seeds
deltoid (adj) a triangular based pyramid<br />
dentate (adj) toothed; serrated<br />
denticulate (adj) minutely dentate; projecting in the form of a small tooth; slightly toothed<br />
depressed (adj) flattened vertically<br />
didymous (adj) twinned<br />
didynamous (adj) having 2 pairs of stamens of different lengths<br />
digitaliform (adj) foxglove-shaped; campanulate, but longer and less even<br />
digitate (adj) palmate, with narrower segments<br />
dimidiate (adj) half-formed, the other half completely, or mostly, absent, whether by accident or nature<br />
dioecious (adj) of plants forming both male and female flowers<br />
Dionaea (g) a monotypic genus of carnivorous plant limited to a small area of the US East coastal plain, and equipped<br />
with a hinged trap<br />
which snaps shut on its prey in response to stimulation of trigger hairs; Venus Fly Trap<br />
discal (adj) disc-shaped<br />
discoidal (adj) orbicular with a distinct rounded border<br />
divaricate (adj) spreading; widely divergent<br />
dolabriform (adj) axe-shaped; in the shape of an axehead<br />
Drosera (g) an extremely widespread genus of over 100 species found in climates from tropical to boreal; Sundew<br />
Drosophyllum (g) A monotypic genus of carnivorous plant found on both sides of the straits of Gibraltar, it is a passive<br />
trap) resembling<br />
Drosera; Portuguese Sundew<br />
ellipsoidal (adj) in the form of an ellipse<br />
E<br />
emarginate (adj) a rounded end terminated by a notch, as if a piece has been removed; the leaf margin is coloured<br />
distinctly from the<br />
lamina<br />
embryo (n) the immature living cell-bundle formed by fertilisation<br />
endemic (adj) restricted to a certain geographical location<br />
endocarp (n) the innermost layer of the pericarp
endogamous (adj) self-pollinating<br />
endosperm (n) nutrients enclosed in the seed to sustain early growth of the embryo<br />
ensiform (adj) sword-shaped; lingulate, tapering to a fine point<br />
entire (adj) totally free from division or interruption<br />
enzyme (n) one of a number of chemicals secreted by a carnivorous plant to assist in the digestion of captured prey<br />
epidermis (n) the outer layer of cells on a plant structure<br />
epigeal (adj) growing with one or more leaves above the ground - the usual habit of plants<br />
epinastic (adj) growing faster on one side of a leaf or stem than on the other - the means by which many active traps<br />
move<br />
epiphytic (adj) growing on other plants (usually trees,) without deriving or contributing nutritional benefit from them<br />
equal (adj) symmetrical<br />
equilateral (adj) symmetrical<br />
eroded (adj) irregularly bounded, as if gnawed<br />
exogamous (adj) pollination between genetically different plants<br />
exserted (adj) projecting beyond; sticking out<br />
extrorse (adj) facing outwards<br />
falcate (adj) sickle-shaped; curved with parallel edges<br />
F<br />
family (n) a group of related genera taxonomically classified within an order<br />
fasciarate (adj) band-shaped; long and narrow with untapering margins, with a length:breadth ratio of 12+:1<br />
fascicle (adj) a close cluster of flowers<br />
fenestration (n) the pattern of translucent spots that occurs on and around the lids of certain pitchers of the genera<br />
Cephalotus and<br />
Sarracenia<br />
fertile (adj) capable of engaging in the process of fertilisation<br />
fertilisation (n) the process of creating a zygote by fusing two gametes, usually accomplished by pollination<br />
ferruginous (adj) reddish-brown - rust-coloured<br />
-fid (suf) pointed; lobed, but only narrowly joined in relation to the size of the segments - eg: 2-fid, 3-fid
filament (n) the part of the stamen that supports the anther; a thread-like structure<br />
filiform (adj) thread-like; in the form of a filament; coarser than capilliform<br />
fimbriate (adj) fringed with hairs<br />
fistulous (adj) cylindrical or terete, hollow and fully enclosed, ie: capped at both ends<br />
flabellate (adj) fan-shaped<br />
flabelliform (adj) fan-shaped<br />
flagelliform (adj) whip-shaped; most often referring to roots or stems<br />
floccose (adj) having tufts of fine hair; woolly<br />
floret (n) each of the small flowers making up a compound flower<br />
foliaceous (adj) resembling a leaf in texture or form<br />
fulgid (adj) shining<br />
funaliform (adj) in the form of rope; composed of rough fibres<br />
fungiform (adj) mushroom-shaped<br />
fungilliform (adj) mushroom-shaped<br />
furcate (adj) forked<br />
fusiform (adj) spindle-shaped, tapering at both ends<br />
G<br />
gamete (n) a specialised cell which unites with another to form a zygote<br />
gemma (n) a small asexually-formed bud commonly produced by temperate Pinguicula, capable of producing a plant<br />
genetically identical to<br />
the parent plant<br />
Genlisea (g) a genus of 15 species found in South and Central America and in Africa, with an unusual 'corkscrew' trap<br />
unlike those found in<br />
any other genus; sometimes called Corkscrew Plant<br />
genus (n) a group of related species taxonomically classified within a family<br />
gibberelic acid (n) a plant hormone that stimulates the growth of shoots and leaves<br />
gibberelin (n) a plant hormone similar to gibberelic acid<br />
gibbous (adj) very convex or tumid<br />
gibrous (adj) swollen at one side
glabrescent (adj) tending to become glabrous<br />
glabrous (adj) smooth; hairless<br />
gland (n) a secreting cell or group of cells on the surface of a plant structure<br />
glandular (adj) pertaining to the nature or action of glands<br />
glanduliferous (adj) capable of or engaged in secretion; as a gland<br />
glaucous (adj) covered in powdery bloom - as of grapes<br />
globose (adj) forming a nearly true sphere<br />
glomerate (adj) clustered compactly<br />
gongyloid (adj) irregularly round in appearance<br />
grumous (adj) in the form of clustered grains<br />
gynandrous (adj) with stamens and pistils fused into a column<br />
gynoecium (n) the carpels of a flower, collectively<br />
H<br />
hastate (adj) a triangle with two sides abruptly concave; in the form of two pointed lobes pointing outwards<br />
hebetate (adj) a soft, blunt termination<br />
Heliamphora (g) a genus of five species of pitcher plants found in South America; Marsh Pitcher (or, sometimes but<br />
incorrectly, Sun Pitcher)<br />
helicoid (adj) tending to a helical shape or pattern<br />
herbarium (n) a systematically arranged collection of dried plants or record of such<br />
heterogamous (adj) having 2 or more distinctly different forms of flower<br />
heterophyllous (adj) producing different leaves in Winter and Summer<br />
hibernaculum (n) a resting bud formed by many temperate and boreal Drosera and Pinguicula as an aid to surviving the<br />
Winter months<br />
hirsute (adj) hairy<br />
homophyllous (adj) producing the same form of leaf in the Winter and Summer months<br />
hormone (n) a chemical produced by organisms to trigger or regulate certain processes<br />
hybrid (n) a specimen produced by the sexual reproduction of 2 plants of different species or subspecies
hypocrateriform (adj) salver-shaped<br />
imbricate (adj) overlapping in a tile-like manner<br />
incised (adj) appearing regularly slashed<br />
included (adj) not exserted<br />
incurved (adj) bent into a curve<br />
I<br />
indumentum (n) the surface hairs of a plant or constituent part, especially where dense<br />
inflated (adj) bladdery; swollen and transparent, or appearing so<br />
inflorescence (n) the complete flowering head of a plant, often with multiple flowers<br />
infundibular (adj) funnel-shaped<br />
infundibuliform (adj) in the form of a funnel<br />
integument (n) a natural outer covering; husk or rind<br />
internodal (n) pertaining to sections of stem between leaves or buds<br />
internode (n) section of stem between leaves or buds<br />
intricated (adj) very complicated; tangled<br />
involute (adj) rolled inwards (usually of leaves)<br />
irregular (adj) not regular; asymmetrical<br />
J<br />
K
L<br />
labiate (adj) of a monopetalous corolla or calyx where divided into unequal divisions<br />
lacerated (adj) appearing irregularly slashed<br />
lachrymiform (adj) tear-shaped; like pyriform, but with no contraction towards the point<br />
laciniae (n) an irregular narrow strip<br />
laciniate (adj) fringed with irregular strips or segments; very deeply incised<br />
lacuna (n) a cavity or depression<br />
lamellar (adj) terminated by two small plates<br />
lamellate (adj) terminated by two small plates<br />
lamina (n) a thin plate or scale; the surface of a leaf excluding the petiole<br />
laminar flow (n) a non-turbulent and constant stream of air<br />
lanceolate (adj) tapering in shape, like a spear-head; eliptical with a length:breadth ratio of between 3:1 and 6:1<br />
leaf (n) usually flattened, usually green plant structure being most often the primary organ of photosynthesis<br />
lenticulate (adj) lens-shaped; resembling a double convex lens<br />
lentiform (adj) lens-shaped; resembling a double convex lens<br />
lignify (v) become woody<br />
ligulate (adj) having strap-like florets<br />
linear (adj) narrow with untapering margins and a length:breadth ratio between 6:1 and 3:1<br />
linguiform (adj) tongue-shaped<br />
lingulate (adj) strap-shaped; longer than linear but shorter than fasciarate, with a length:breadth ratio of between 6:1<br />
and 12:1<br />
lobed (adj) divided into (usually rounded,) segments<br />
loculicidal (adj) pertaining to small separate cavities<br />
lorate (adj) lingulate; longer than linear but shorter than fasciarate, with a length:breadth ratio of between 6:1 and 12:1<br />
lower pitcher (n) the form of Nepenthes pitcher found on the lower portion of the plant. See also upper pitcher<br />
lunate (adj) crescent moon-shaped<br />
lunulate (adj) crescent moon-shaped<br />
lyrate (adj) lyre-shaped; like pandurate, but pinched several times to produce several sets of smaller lobes, eg: an oak<br />
leaf
M<br />
marcescent (adj) withering but remaining attached to the plant<br />
margin (n) edge; rim<br />
meloniform (adj) melon-shaped; irregularly spherical with projecting ribs<br />
meniscoid (adj) thin, concavo-convex and hemispherical; resembling a watch-glass<br />
midrib (n) the central rib of a leaf<br />
modioliform (adj) hollow, round and depressed, with a very narrow orifice<br />
molendinaceous (adj) in the form of a set of sails; with multiple projecting wings<br />
moniliform (adj) necklace-shaped; terete with regular bulges<br />
monocotyledon (n) possessing only one cotyledon<br />
monoecious (adj) having unisexual male and female organs on the same plant<br />
monopetalous (adj) having a corolla fused into one piece, or the petals into a tube<br />
monospermous (adj) producing a single seed<br />
monostichous (adj) arranged in one row or layer<br />
monotypic (adj) represented by a single example<br />
monstrose (adj) abnormally formed<br />
motile (adj) capable of movement<br />
mucilage (n) a sticky secretion produced on the leaves or other trapping parts of some carnivorous plants to detain (or<br />
occasionally<br />
lubricate,) prey<br />
mucronate (adj) terminating in a sharp point, more acute than the leaf it projects from<br />
muricate (adj) roughened by sharp points<br />
muscariform (adj) brush-shaped; penicillatate<br />
muticous (adj) not pointed
napiform (adj) turnip shaped; a depressed sphere<br />
N<br />
naviculate (adj) boat-shaped; concave, tapering at each end and keeled<br />
nectar (n) a sweet secretion used to attract insects and sometimes other animals, often for pollination or consumption<br />
nectary (n) a specialized gland producing nectar<br />
Nepenthes (g) a large genus of over 70 species of usually vine-like carnivorous plant distributed through South East<br />
Asia, North Australia<br />
and Madagascar, forming urns at the leaf extremities; Asian Pitcher Plant<br />
nephriform (adj) kidney-shaped<br />
nervation (n) the pattern of ribs in a leaf<br />
nerveless (adj) lacking nervures<br />
nervure (n) a midrib<br />
nerve (n) a leaf-rib<br />
noddling (adj) describing flowers which hang from a stalk, facing downwards - eg: Sarracenia<br />
normal (adj) typical of its taxon; of features held in common between specimens in the taxon<br />
O<br />
oblique (adj) (usually of a leaf) having unequal sides; almost (but not quite,) symmetrical<br />
oblong (adj) broadly elliptical with blunt ends<br />
obovate (adj) ovate with the narrow end at the base<br />
obtuse (adj) terminating in a blunt, unpointed end; forming an angle of more than 90 degrees<br />
olliform (adj) in the shape of a flower-pot; a truncated cone<br />
operculum (n) the lid of a pitcher or similar<br />
orbicular (adj) disc-shaped; perfectly circular<br />
orbiculate (adj) (usually of a leaf) almost circular<br />
order (n) a group of related families taxonomically classified within a class<br />
organ (n) a specialised plant structure performing a particular function
oval (adj) elliptical<br />
ovary (n) a hollow organ at the base of the carpel of a flower in which the female plant's gametes are produced<br />
ovate (adj) egg-shaped; oval, with one end more pointed than the other<br />
overarched (adj) forming an arch over<br />
ovoid (adj) egg-shaped; ovate<br />
ovoidal (adj) egg-shaped; ovate<br />
ovule (n) the part of the ovary of seed plants that contains the gamete; an unfertilized seed<br />
P<br />
pale (n) a membrane dividing distinct parts of a plant structure<br />
palea (n) a chaff-like bract usually found in grasses<br />
palmate (adj) 5-lobed, with the midribs joined at a common point<br />
pandurate (adj) in the shape of a violin; an oval figure with sides pinched in to produce 2 lobes, one larger than the<br />
other<br />
panduriform (adj) in the shape of a violin; an oval figure with sides pinched in to produce 2 lobes, one larger than the<br />
other<br />
panicle (n) a branching cluster of flowers esp. where formed by a series of racemes branching from a main axis<br />
parabiosis (n) the natural or artificial joining or grafting of two organisms<br />
parabolical (adj) a more rounded form of rhomboid<br />
parietal (adj) of the wall of a hollow stem or other structure; borne on the inner surface of a capsule<br />
parted (adj) lobed, but only joined by the base<br />
passive trap(n) a trap which is incapable of movement to catch or detain its prey<br />
patelliform (adj) kneecap shaped; broadly round, convex on one side and concave on the other<br />
pedate (adj) palmate, but with the first and fifth lobes tridentate, to give a 7-fid leaf overall<br />
pedicel (n) any small, stalk-like structure<br />
peduncle (n) the stalk of a flower, inflorescence or fruit<br />
peltate (adj) shield-shaped<br />
penicillate (adj) having or forming small tufts
penicillatate (adj) brush-shaped<br />
pennate (adj) tapering<br />
perianth (n) the collective parts of the calyx and corolla when these are similar: the outer part of a flower<br />
pericarp (n) the part of a fruit formed from the wall of a ripened ovary<br />
perigone (n) perianth<br />
perigynous (adj) (of stamens) surrounding the pistil<br />
perisperm (n) the nutritive portion of the endosperm of some seeds, that lies outside the embryo-sac.<br />
peristome (n) a fringe of small teeth around the mouth of many nepenthes<br />
persistent (adj) (of leaves etc,) remaining on the plant when dead instead of falling off<br />
personate (adj) of a monopetalous corolla where the lip of which is unequally divided; appearing in the form of a<br />
gaping animal<br />
petal (n) the floral modified leaves of a flower that comprise the corolla<br />
petaloid (adj) resembling a petal in colour or texture<br />
petiolate (adj) relating to, or in the form of a petiole<br />
petiole (n) the usually slender stalk of a leaf<br />
photosynthesis (n) the process whereby sunlight is converted into energy by chlorophyll<br />
phyllodium (n) broad flat leaf produced on Sarracenias instead of pitchers in response to stress or Winter<br />
piliferous (adj) terminationg in a fine, soft hair<br />
Pinguicula (g) a very widespread genus of over 50 species of carnivorous plant with sticky, trapping leaves capable of<br />
limited movement;<br />
Butterwort<br />
pistil (n) the stigma, style and ovary collectively; the female reproductive organs<br />
pitcher (n) a pitfall trap formed from a leaf modified by rolling with the sides fused into a keel<br />
pitcher plant (n) an unspecific name applied to plants of the genera Cephalotus, Heliamphora, Nepenthes and<br />
Sarracenia<br />
placentiform (adj) thick-rimmed round body, concave on upper and lower surfaces<br />
placentation (adj) the formation of ovules on the wall of the ovary<br />
plane (adj) a perfectly flat surface<br />
poculiform (adj) cup-shaped<br />
pollination (n) the process of fertilisation whereby pollen is transferred from the stamen to the stigma<br />
polymorphic (adj) of very variable shape<br />
Polypompholyx (g) a former genus of carnivorous plant from Australia, currently incorporated in Utricularia
praemorsous (adj) bitten; ragged as if chewed<br />
prismatic (adj) prism-shaped; having several longitudinous angles and intermediate flat faces<br />
proboscidate (adj) beaked; similar to corniculate<br />
prostrate (adj) lying horizontally<br />
pruinose (adj) frosted with white powder<br />
pterate (adj) winged, eg: dipterate - 2-winged, tripterate - 3-winged<br />
puberulous (adj) somewhat pubescent<br />
pubescent (n) covered in soft down<br />
pulvinate (adj) convex or slightly so<br />
pungent (adj) tapering evenly to a sharp point<br />
pyriform (adj) pear-shaped; more elongated than turbinate<br />
Q<br />
R<br />
raceme (n) a flower cluster composed of individual florets equally spaced along a stem - often cymose<br />
radical (adj) emerging from the root<br />
radicle (n) the embryonic root; a rootlet<br />
reclinate (adj) curved backwards<br />
reflexed (adj) abruptly reclinate<br />
regular (adj) composed of evenly arranged parts in a symmetrical fashion<br />
reniform (adj) kidney-shaped; an oval with the ends curved around in the same direction<br />
repandate (adj) undulate, but less evenly so<br />
reticulate (adj) forming a network (often of leaf-veins); multiply divided<br />
retuse (adj) a rounded termination with a small notch forming two small lobes; slightly emarginate
hizome (n) an underground plant structure from which both roots and shoots emerge directly<br />
rhomboid (adj) diamond-shaped<br />
rib (n) a leaf-vein; a ridge of plant-tissue thicker than its surrounding<br />
ringent (adj) of a monopetalous corolla where the lip of which is unequally divided; appearing in the form of a gaping<br />
animal<br />
root (n) a plant structure usually providing a plant with anchorage and the ability to absorb water and nutrients from the<br />
soil<br />
rosette (n) a circular growth-pattern with leaves growing radially from a central point; rose-shaped<br />
rostellate (adj) beaked; tapering in a long, hard point<br />
rostrate (adj) beaked; tapering in a long, hard point<br />
rosulate (adj) forming a rosette<br />
rotate (adj) wheel-shaped<br />
rotundate (adj) rounded; imperfectly orbicular; in the form of, or terminated by, an arc<br />
runcinate (adj) in the form of overlapping arrowheads, the backwards-facing barbs usually curved, eg: a dandelion<br />
S<br />
sagittate (adj) in the shape of an arrow head; in the form of two pointed lobes directed bacwards<br />
Sarracenia (g) a genus of 8 species of pitcher plant distributed throughout the South and Eastern coastal regions of the<br />
US and North into<br />
East and Central Canada; Trumpet pitcher<br />
scandent (adj) climbing<br />
scape (n) a long flower stalk arising directly from the root<br />
scapose (adj) of a plant whose flowers are borne on scapes<br />
scarious (adj) having a dry membranous appearance<br />
scrotiform (adj) pouch-shaped; hollow, in the form of a sac<br />
scutate (adj) lenticulate, but with an elevated rim<br />
scutelliform (adj) as patelliform, but oval rather than round<br />
scutellate (adj) shield or saucer shaped<br />
scutiform (adj) lenticulate, but with an elevated rim
seed (n) the sexually-produced embryo and associate protective and nutritive structures capable of developing into a<br />
plant<br />
selliform (adj) saddle-shaped<br />
semilunate (adj) tending towards the form of a crescent moon<br />
semi-terete (adj) flat on one side, terete on the other<br />
sessile (adj) attached directly - stalkless; immobile<br />
sericeous (adj) silky<br />
serrated (adj) furnished with straight-sided teeth<br />
serrulate (adj) minutely serrate<br />
setaceous (adj) having bristles<br />
setiferous (adj) setaceous<br />
setigerous (adj) setaceous<br />
setose (adj) bristly; terminating gradually in a fine sharp bristle<br />
sinuate (adj) lyrate, but with the lobes more equally sized<br />
spathulate (adj) spoon-shaped<br />
species (n) a taxonomic category of similar individuals capable of interbreeding to produce offspring classified within<br />
the same species<br />
specific (adj) pertaining to a species<br />
sphagnum (n) any moss of the genus Sphagnum, sometimes used as a growing medium<br />
spheroid (adj) spherical with slightly flattened ends<br />
spiral (adj) corkscrew-shaped<br />
spur (n) a usually slender hollow projection formed by the fused bases of the lower petals in some flowers notably of<br />
the genera Pinguicula<br />
and Utricularia; a short fruit-bearing stalk<br />
stamen (n) the male sexual organ supporting and incorporating the anther<br />
staminate (adj) of a male flower possessing stamens but not pistils<br />
stellate (adj) star-shaped<br />
stem (n) the main body or stalk of a plant<br />
sterile (n) incapable of engaging in the process of fertilisation<br />
stigma (n) the female organ that receives and is fertilised by pollen<br />
stipe (n) the stalk that supports the carpel<br />
stipule (n) a small modified leaf usually found at the base of a leaf
stolon (n) a horizontal stem that takes root at points along its length to form new plants<br />
stoma (n) a leaf pore<br />
stratification (n) process of refrigerating sown seeds to imitate natural wintering as an aid to germination<br />
strombuliform (adj) shaped like Strombus - a twisted, conical seashell<br />
style (n) the narrow extension of the ovary supporting the stigma<br />
subcordate (adj) in the form of two slightly rounded lobes<br />
subrotundate (adj) less perfectly orbicular than rotundate<br />
subspecies (n) a taxonomic category applied to specimens which form a distinct group within a species, but are not<br />
different enough to be<br />
classed as a species in their own right.<br />
subulate (adj) awl-shaped; slender and tapering to a point<br />
sulcate (adj) grooved lengthwise<br />
T<br />
taeninate (adj) tapeworm-shaped; long and irregularly contracted<br />
temperate (adj) a climatic zone between boreal and tropical<br />
tendril (n) a slender leafless shoot produced by many Nepenthes and other climbing plants as an aid to climbing<br />
tepal (n) any of the modified leaves making up a perianth<br />
terete (adj) smooth and rounded; circular, or nearly so, in section but not necessarily cylindrical<br />
terminal (adj) borne at the end of a stem<br />
terrestrial (adj) growing in the ground<br />
testicular (adj) in the form of two oblong bodies<br />
tetrad (n) a group of four<br />
tomentum (n) matted wolly threads on the surface of leaves and stems<br />
tomentose (adj) covered in tomentum<br />
torose (adj) cylindrical with regular bulges<br />
torulous (adj) knotted; like moniliform, but with uneven bulges<br />
trap (n) a plant structure designed to catch and detain animal prey
trapeziform (adj) in the shape of a four-sided figure with none of the edges being symmetrical<br />
tridentate (adj) forked into three points<br />
trigger hair (n) a specialized structure found in the traps of Dionaea and Aldrovanda which causes the trap to activate in<br />
response to<br />
stimulation<br />
trigonous (adj) of triangular cross-section; three-cornered<br />
Triphyophyllum (g) a monotypic genus native to West Africa - a tall woody vine producing carnivorous leaves before<br />
flowering or in response<br />
to injury<br />
triqueter (adj) three-edged<br />
trochlearate (adj) pulley-shaped; in the form of a pinched circle resembling a figure of eight<br />
tropical (adj) a climatic zone surrounding the equator<br />
truncate (adj) (of leaves etc.) cut off at the end; an abrubt termination as if the tip has been cut cleanly off<br />
tubate (adj) trumpet-shaped<br />
tuber (n) a modified stem used to store food or water by a plant; the hibernating cell-mass of certain Australian sundews<br />
etc.<br />
tubular (adj) forming a hollow nearly true cylinder<br />
tubiform (adj) trumpet-shaped<br />
tubulose (adj) consisting of, or resemblinng, small tubes<br />
turbinate (adj) inversely conical with a contraction towards the point<br />
turgid (adj) swollen<br />
turion (n) a hibernating bud produced by certain aquatic plants from which growth emerges in the following Spring<br />
U<br />
umbonate (adj) bossed; round in shape, with a rounded projection in the centre<br />
umbraculiform (adj) umbrella-shaped<br />
uncate (adj) terminated by a sharply curved hook<br />
uncinate (adj) terminated by a sharply curved hook<br />
undulate (adj) wavy; alternately concave and convex<br />
unequal (adj) unsymmetrical
unequilateral (adj) unsymmetrical<br />
unguiculate (adj) of petals tapering to a narrow base<br />
unilocular (adj) single-chambered<br />
upper pitcher (n) the form of Nepenthes pitcher found on the upper portion of the plant. See also lower pitcher<br />
urceolate (adj) pitcher-shaped; as campaniform, but with the orifice more contracted<br />
Utricularia (g) an extremely widespread genus of over 200 species including aquatic , epiphytic and terrestrial species;<br />
bladderwort<br />
valve (n) a segment into which a dry fruit dehisces<br />
vasculate (adj) vase-shaped; olliform<br />
V<br />
vegetative (adj) concerning the growth of leaves as opposed to flowers; concerning non-sexual reproduction by means<br />
of cuttings, grafting<br />
etc.<br />
vein (n) a rib of tissue, usually in a leaf<br />
venation (n) the arrangement of veins within a leaf<br />
ventricose (adj) distended; inflated<br />
vermiculate (adj) worm-shaped<br />
vernation (n) the arrangement of leaves within a leaf bud<br />
verticil (n) a circular arrangement of parts around an axis; a whorl<br />
vesicle (n) a bladder or other hollow structure aiding flotation<br />
whorl (n) a ring of leaves etc. around a stem<br />
W
X<br />
Y<br />
Z<br />
zone (n) a distinct region esp. of the interior of a pitfall trap, exhibiting characteristics distinct from neighbouring zones<br />
zygote (n) a reproductive cell formed by the merging of two gametes
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