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317 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
Acaulescent
stemless
Alternate
a leaf arrangement along the axis in which the leaves are not opposite to each other or whorled
Anandrous
without stamens
Androgynous
having staminate and pistillate flowers in the same inflorescence
Anemophilous
wind-pollinated
Annual
a plant that completes its life cycle from the it’s germination as a seed to the production of new seeds in a single year and then dies
Anterior
on the front side away from the axis
Anther
the pollen-bearing portion of a stamen
Anthesis
time during which the flower is open
Apetalous
lacking petals
Apex
the tip of a plant part
Aphyllous
without leaves
Arborescent
approaching the size and habit of a tree
Asperous
rough to the touch
Asteraceae
sunflower family
Asymmetrical
not divided into like and/or equal parts
Attenuate
gradually narrowing to a tip or base
Auricle
a small earlike lobe or appendage
Auriculate
having earlike appendages
Autophilous
self-pollinated
Axil
the upper angle formed between two structures or organs such as a leaf and the stem from which it grows
Axillary
borne or carried in the axil
Axis
the main stem
Banner
the upper petal of a pea flower
Barbed
with a backward-facing tip
Basal
at or near the base; often describing leaves and where they attach
Berry
a fleshy indehiscent fruit in which the seeds are not encased in a stone and are typically more than one
Biennial
a plant that takes two years to complete its life cycle - usually growing vegetation in the first year and producing flowers and seeds in the second then dying
Biflorous
flowering in the spring and again in the autumn
Bifurcate
divided into two forks or branches
Bipinnate
twice pinnately compound
Bisexual
having both stamens and pistils
Blade
the expanded terminal portion of a leaf petal or other structure; i.e. that portion of the leaf that does not include the stalk
Bloom
a white powder-like coating sometimes found on a leaf or stem surface
Bract
a modified leaf which may be reduced in size or different in other characteristics from the foliage leaves and which usually subtends a flower or an inflorescence
Brassicaceae
mustard family
Bud
a developing leaf stem or flower
Bulb
an underground plant part derived from a shoot that is enclosed in numerous overlapping thickened leafy scales whose purpose is to store food; if cut in half there are many layers (compare corm)
Bulblet
a small bulb produced at the base of a bulb
Caducous
falling off very early as compared to similar structures in other plants
Calyx
the outer whorl of the perianth; composed of the sepals; usually but not always green; which enclose other flower parts in bud
Campanulate
bell-shaped
Capsule
a dry generally many-seeded fruit divided into two or more seed compartments that dehisces or splits open longitudinally with the line of dehiscence either through the locule (loculicidal) or through the septa (septicidal); or less commonly through pores (poricidal) or around the circumference (circumscissile)
Carpel
a simple pistil or a single unit of a compound pistil - the ovule-bearing portion of a flower
Catkin
a spike like often pendulous inflorescence of petal less unisexual flowers either staminate or pistillate
Caudex
the persistent often woody base of an otherwise annual herbaceous stem
Cauline
attached to or referring to the stem as opposed to 'basal' ; often used to describe leaf position
Chlorophyllous
of or containing chlorophyll
Clasping
having the lower edges of a leaf blade partly surrounding the stem
Cleft
deeply cut ; usually more than one-half the distance from the margin to the midrib or base
Complete
describing flowers that contain petals sepals pistils and stamens
Composite
a member of the Asteraceae or sunflower family previously called the Compositae
Compound
made up of two or more similar parts as in a leaf which has leaflets
Cordate
heart-shaped
Corm
an enlarged underground structure that consists of stem tissue and thin scales; if cut in half there are no layers (compare bulb)
Corolla
the inner whorl of the perianth between the calyx and the stamens a collective term for the petals of a flower
Corymb
a broad flat-topped inflorescence in which the flower stalks arise from different points on the main stem and the marginal flowers are the first to open (compare cyme)
Crenate
with shallow roundish or bluntish teeth on the margin; scalloped
Crenulate
similar to crenate; but with smaller rounded teeth
Crisped
curled on the margin like a strip of bacon
Cruciform
cross-shaped
Cultivar
a form of a plant derived from cultivation
Cyme
a broad flat-topped inflorescence in which the central flower is the first to open (compare corymb)
Deca-
a prefix meaning ten
Decumbent
prostrate at the base but ascending at the end
Dentate
with sharp outward-pointing teeth on the margin
Determinate
describes an inflorescence in which the terminal flower blooms first; thereby halting further elongation of the flowering stem (compare indeterminate)
Diandrous
having two stamens
Dichotomous
branching regularly and repeatedly in pairs
Dicotyledon
a plant having two seed leaves; one of the two major divisions of flowering plants (compare monocotyledon)
Didymous
twinned; being in pairs
Dioecious
having staminate and pistillate flowers on separate plants (compare monoecious)
Disk
the central portion of composite flowers; made up of a cluster of disk flowers
Dissected
finely cut or divided into many narrow segments
Distal
the end opposite the point of attachment away from the axis (compare proximal)
Distinct
having separate like parts those not at all joined to each other; often describing the petals on a flower (compare united)
Disturbed
referring to habitats that have been impacted by the actions of people
Diurnal
growing in the daytime
Divided
cut deeply; nearly or completely to the midrib
Drupe
a fleshy indehiscent fruit enclosing a nut or hard stone containing generally a single seed such as a peach or cherry
E-
prefix usually meaning without
Ecotype
those individuals adapted to a specific environment or set of conditions
Elliptic
broadest near the middle and tapering gradually to both ends
Elongate
stretched out; many times longer than broad
Endemic
confined to a limited geographic area
Entire
describing a leaf that has a continuous unbroken margin with no teeth or lobes
Ephemeral
describes a plant or flower that lasts for only a short time or blooms only occasionally when conditions are right
Epigynous
inferior ovary with stamens pistils and sepals attached to the top of the ovary (compare hypogynous)
Exotic
not native; introduced from another area
Exudate
a substance exuded or secreted from a plant
Fabaceae
pea family
Fagaceae
oak family
Fertile
having the capacity to produce fruit; having a pistil
Filament
the stalk of the anther
Floret
a small individual flower in a flower head
Foliolate
having leaflets
Frond
a fern leaf
Glabrate
becoming glabrous in age
Glabrous
smooth; without hairs
Gland
a depression or protuberance that exists for the purpose of secreting
Glandular
producing tiny globules of sticky or oily substance
Glaucescent
slightly glaucous
Glaucous
covered with a thin light-colored waxy or powdery bloom
Glomerate
crowded congested or compactly clustered
Glutinous
having a sticky surface
Habit
the overall appearance of a plant
Hastate
spear- or arrowhead-shaped with the basal lobes facing outward
Herbaceous
fleshy-stemmed; not woody
Hexa-
a prefix meaning six
Hibernal
flowering or appearing in the winter
Hip
a fleshy berry-like fruit as in some members of the Rosaceae
Hirsute
pubescent with stiff coarse hairs
Hispid
rough-haired
Hoary
covered with white or gray short fine hairs
Host
a plant providing nourishment to a parasite
Hypanthium
a cup-shaped enlargement of the receptacle; creation by the fusion of sepals petals and stamens
Hypogynous
superior ovary with stamens petals and sepals attached below the ovary (compare epigynous)
Imbricate
overlapping like shingles on a roof
Imperfect
describes a flower that has stamens or pistils but not both
Implicate
twisted together; intertwined
Incised
cut; often deeply usually irregularly but seldom as much as one-half the distance to the midrib or base
Included
not exerted or protruding beyond the surrounding organ
Incomplete
missing a whorl
Incumbent
a term referring to seeds in which the embryonic root is wrapped around and lies adjacent to the back of one of the two cotyledons (compare accumbent)
Indeterminate
describes an inflorescence in which the outer or lower flowers bloom first allowing an indefinite elongation of the flowering stem (compare determinate)
Indigenous
native to an area
Inferior ovary
one that is situated below the point of attachment of the sepals and petals and possibly below the point of attachment of all other flower parts and embedded in the floral stem
Inflorescence
the flowering portion of a plant
Infra-
a prefix meaning below or beneath
Innate
borne at the apex
Inter-
a prefix meaning between or among
Interrupted
not continuous; with gaps
Introrse
turned or opening inward toward the axis as an anther toward the center of a flower (compare extrorse)
Involucre
a set of bracts subtending a flower or an inflorescence
Irregular
describes a flower that is not radially symmetric; the similar parts of which are unequal in size or form
Joint
the point on a plant stem from which a leaf or leaf-bud grows; more commonly termed a node
Keel
the two lower petals of most pea flowers united or partially joined to form a structure similar to the keel of a boat
Labiate
lipped
Lacerate
irregularly cut or cleft
Laciniate
cut into slender lobes
Lacunate
pitted
Laevigate
lustrous; shining
Lanceolate
Significantly longer than wide and widest below the middle; gradually tapering toward the apex
Lateral
borne at or on the side of
Leaflet
one segment of a compound leaf
Legume
a dry dehiscent fruit derived from a single carpel and usually opening along two lines of dehiscence like a pea pod
Limb
the upper expanded portion of a corolla which has fused petals
Linear
long and narrow with sides that are parallel or nearly so
Lineate
marked with parallel lines
Lobe
usually a rounded segment of an organ
Lobed
more or less deeply cut but not as far as the midrib
Lunate
crescent-shaped
Macro-
prefix meaning large or long
Macrophyllous
having large leaves
Maculate
spotted or blotched
Many
same as numerous; often used to describe the number of stamens on a flower and specifically meaning eleven or more
Margin
the edge; as of a leaf blade
Mega-
prefix meaning large
Membranous
thin flexible and more or less translucent like a membrane
-merous
a suffix utilized to indicate the number of parts or divisions in a particular structure or organ as in 4-merous or 4-parted
Mesic
describes a habitat that is generally moist throughout the growing season (compare xeric)
Meso-
prefix meaning middle
Mesocarp
the middle layer of the pericarp of a fruit (compare endocarp exocarp)
Mesophytic
adapted to growing under medium or average conditions especially relating to water supply
Micro-
prefix meaning small
Microphyllous
bearing small leaves
Midrib
the main or central rib or vein of a leaf
Mono-
prefix meaning one
Monocotyledon
a plant having only one seed-leaf (compare dicotyledon)
Monoecious
having both male and female flowers on the same plant (compare dioecious)
Monotypic
describing a genus that contains only a single species
Mucilaginous
slimy and moist
Multi-
prefix meaning many
Mycorrhizal
having a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and the root of a plant
Netted
same as reticulated in the form or pattern of a network
Nodding
hanging down
Node
a point on a stem where leaves or branches originate
Numerous
eleven or more same as 'many'
Nut
a dry usually one-seeded indehiscent fruit with a hard-walled exterior
Ob-
prefix signifying inversion or reversal of normal direction
Oblanceolate
inversely lanceolate
Oblique
with sides unequal; usually describing the base of a leaf
Obovate
inversely ovate
Obtuse
blunt or rounded at the apex
Obverse
describing a leaf that is narrower at the base than at the apex
Obvolute
a vernation in which two leaves are overlapping in the bud in such a manner that one-half of each is external and the other half is internal; i.e. each leaf both overlaps the next and is in turn overlapped by the one before
Octo-
prefix meaning eight
Odd-pinnate
describing a pinnately-compound leaf with a single terminal leaflet (compare even-pinnate)
Open
uncongested; usually describing the organization of flowers in an inflorescence (compare dense)
Opposite
describing leaves that are situated in pairs at each node along an axis
Oval
broadly elliptic; the width over half the length
Ovary
the basal portion of a pistil where female germ cells develop into seeds after germination
Ovate
egg-shaped; wider below the middle
Ovoid
an egg-shaped solid
Ovule
the structure that develops into the seed inside the ovary
Pallid
pale
Palmate
radiating from a single point like the spreading fingers of an outstretched hand
Panicle
a compound inflorescence in which the branches are racemose and the flowers are pedicelled on the branches
Parasite
a plant which derives most or all of its food from another organism to which it attaches itself
Parted
lobed or cut in over half-way and often very close to the base or midrib
Pectinate
describing a pinnatifid leaf whose segments are narrow and arranged like the teeth of a comb
Pedicel
the stalk of a single flower that is part of an inflorescence
Peduncle
the stalk of a flower cluster or of a solitary flower not associated with others in an inflorescence
Peltate
a type of leaf having its petiole attached to the center of the lower surface of the blade
Penta-
prefix meaning five
Perennial
a plant living for more than two years
Perfect
containing both stamens and pistils; bisexual
Perfoliate
the stem apparently piercing the leaf or surrounded by basally joined opposite leaves
Perianth
a collective term for the calyx and corolla
Pericarp
the outer wall of mature fruit
Perigynous
situated around but not attached to the ovary directly; describing a flower whose stamens and petals are joined to the calyx tube and the ovary is superior
Persistent
remaining attached after the usual time of falling
Petal
a single segment of a divided corolla
Petaloid
having the appearance of a petal
Petiole
the stalk of a leaf
Phytolaccaceae
pokeweed family
Pinnate
with separate segments which are arranged feather-like on either side of a common axis
Pistil
the central reproductive organ of a flower; consisting of ovary style and stigma
Pistillate
a female flower that has two or more pistils but no functional stamens
Poly-
prefix meaning many
Polyandrous
with many stamens
Polyanthous
with many flowers
Polygamous
having both unisexual and bisexual flowers on the same plant
Posterior
on the side next to the axis (compare anterior)
Procumbent
lying flat or trailing but not rooting at the nodes
Prostrate
lying flat
Protandrous
describing a plant in which the release of pollen precedes and does not overlap the period of stigma receptivity (compare protogynous)
Protogynous
describing a plant in which stigma receptivity precedes and does not overlap the period of pollen release (compare protandrous)
Proximal
nearest the axis or base (compare distal)
Ptero-
prefix meaning winged
Quadrate
square
Quadri-
prefix meaning four
Quinque-
prefix meaning five
Raceme
an elongate unbranched inflorescence with pedicelled flowers on the main stem
Racemose
raceme-like or bearing racemes
Rachis
the main stalk of a flower cluster or of a compound leaf; also that part of a fern frond stem that bears the leaflets
Radical
belonging to or proceeding from the root
Radiate
describing a flower head in the Asteraceae that contains both ray and disk flowers
Radicant
rooting from the stem
Recumbent
leaning or reposing upon the ground
Recurved
curved backwards or outwards
Reflexed
abruptly bent or curved downward
Regular
describes a flower with petals or sepals all of equal size and shape; i.e. radially symmetrical or capable of being divided into mirror images on either side of any plane that passes through the center
Reniform
kidney-shaped or rounded with a notch at the base
Reticulate
having a netted pattern
Rhizome
an underground stem capable of producing new stems or plants at its nodes
Rosette
a cluster of leaves in a circular arrangement at the base of a plant; often called the basal rosette
Rotundifolius
with round leaves
Saprophytic
Deriving food from dead or decaying organic material in the soil and usually lacking in chlorophyll
Scabrous
rough to the touch
Scale
a greatly reduced leaf or other outgrowth on a plant surface
Scape
a leafless flowering stem arising directly from the ground
Scorpioid
describing a coiled inflorescence
Semi-
prefix meaning half
Sepal
modified leaves that are on the outside of the flower when in bud
Serrate
having sharp forward-pointing teeth on the margin
Serrulate
serrate with very small teeth
Sessile
attached directly and without a petiole pedicel or other type of stalk; said of either leaves or flowers
Shrub
a small woody plant with several stems
Simple
a leaf that has one part; not subdivided into leaflets
Sinuate
strongly or deeply wavy; usually referring to a leaf margin
Sinus
the space or division usually on a leaf between two lobes or teeth
Sp
abbreviation for 'species'; also used when genus is know but species is not
Spadix
a floral spike or head in which the flowers are borne on a fleshy axis
Spathe
a large bract or pair of bracts subtending and usually partially enclosing an inflorescence
Spike
an elongated unbranched inflorescence with sessile or nearly-sessile flowers
Spp
abbreviation for the plural of 'species'
Spur
a hollow extension of a petal or sepal such as characterizes the larkspurs and which often produces nectar
Ssp
abbreviation for 'subspecies'
Stamen
the male or pollen-bearing organ of a flower composed of filament and anthers
Staminate
describing a male flower that contains one or more stamens but no functional pistils
Stem
the main upward-growing axis of a plant which bears the leaves and flowers
Stigma
the terminal portion of a pistil which receives the pollen
Stipe
that portion of a fern frond below the rachis i.e. below where the leaflets are attached
Stipule
an appendage at the base of a petiole usually in pairs
Stolon
an elongated horizontal shoot above or below the ground - rooting at the nodes or apex
Style
the narrowed portion of a pistil between and connecting the ovary and the stigma
Sub-
prefix meaning under slightly somewhat or almost
Subspecies
a group of plants within a species that has consistent repeating genetic and structural distinctions
Summer annual
plant with seeds germinating in spring or early summer and completing flowering and fruiting in late summer or early fall (compare winter annual)
Superior ovary
ovary with perianth inserted below it; see also hypogynous and perigynous
Syn-
prefix meaning united
Taproot
the primary root continuing the axis of the plant downward often quite deeply into the ground
Tendril
a slender portion of a leaf or stem; modified for twining
Tepals
term used to describe flowers of the Liliaceae family when the sepals and petals are indistinguishable
Terminal
at the end of the branch or stem
Toothed
having small lobes or points along the margin (as on a leaf)
Tri-
prefix meaning three
Trifoliate
having three leaves
Trifoliolate
having three leaflets
Tripinnate
thrice divided
Tube
the lower or narrower portion of a corolla or calyx
Tuber
a short thickened underground stem which bears numerous buds
Umbel
an inflorescence in which the flower stalks arise from a common point (in a compound umbel this branching is repeated)
Umbellet
a secondary umbel in a compound umbel
Umbellulate
in the form of or having the appearance of an umbel
Umbraculate
umbrella-shaped
Undulate
wavy
Uni-
prefix meaning one
Unisexual
bearing either stamens or pistils but not both
United
describes petals that are fused together
Variegated
having a variety of colors
Vascular
containing both xylem the principal water and mineral-conducting tissue and phloem food conducting tissue
Vein
the vascular portion of a leaf
Venation
the arrangement of veins in a leaf
Versicolor
having various colors
Viscid
sticky or greasy
Vitreous
transparent
Wanting
absent lacking nonexistent
Weed
traditionally used to describe a plant that grows where it is not wanted; now known to be
Whorl
a circle of three or more structures radiating outward from the same node
Wing
a thin paperlike flat margin bordering or extending from a seed capsule stem or flower
Winter annual
plant with seeds germinating in late summer or fall and completing flowering and fruiting in spring or summer (compare summer annual)
X
a symbol which when placed before a specific epithet indicates a hybrid of two species
Xero-
prefix meaning dry
Xerophytic
adapted to dry or arid conditions; places where fresh water is scarce or where water absorption is difficult due to an excess of dissolved salts
Zygomorphic
with inequality in the size or form of similar parts; specifically bilaterally symmetric and capable of being bisected into equal mirror-image halves along one plane only