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Home , Pedicel (botany), Peduncle (botany), Plant stem, Scape (botany), Sepal, Shoot

TERMINOLOGY

Plant terminology for the identification of is a necessary evil in order to be more exact, to cut down on lengthy descriptions, and of course to use the more professional texts. I have tried to keep the terminology in the database fairly simple but there is no choice in using many descriptive terms. The following slides deal with the most commonly used terms (more specialized terms are given in family descriptions where needed). Professional texts vary from fairly friendly to down-right difficult in their use of terminology.

Do not be dismayed if a plant or plant part does not seem to fit any given term, or that some terms seem to be vague or have more than one definition – that’s life. In addition this subject has deep historical and plant terminology has evolved with the science although some authors have not.

There are many texts that define and illustrate plant terminology – I use Plant Identification Terminology, An illustrated Glossary by Harris and Harris (see CREDITS) and others. Most plant books have at least some terms defined. To really begin to appreciate the diversity of plants, a good text on plant systematics or Classification is a necessity. PLANT TERMS - Typical Plant - Introduction [V. Max Brown]

Plant

Shoot System of Plant – stem, and . This is the photosynthetic part of the plant using CO2 (from the air) and light to produce food which is used by the plant and stored in the System.

The system is also the reproductive part of the plant forming flowers (highly modified leaves); however some plants also have forms of asexual reproduction

The stem is composed of Nodes (points of origin for leaves and ) and Internodes

Root System of Plant – supports the plant, stores food and uptakes water and minerals used in the shoot System PLANT TERMS - Typical Perfect [V. Max Brown]

The Perfect Flower

A Perfect (or Regular, or Bisexual, or Hermaphroditic or Polygamous) flower contains both male and female reproductive organs (this subject, and its exceptions, will be discussed in much more detail later). The ideal flower is composed of 4 whorls of floral parts.

The outer is composed of , followed by a whorl of Petals, then and the Stamens (Male) innermost whorl is represented by the Pistils. All are modified leaves, the Stamens and Pistils are very highly modified for reproduction. Pistils (Female)

Although a plant may seem simple, genetyic diversity and environmental factors produce an endless and dazzling variety of shapes and forms! Expect exceptions!! PLANT TERMS – Flowers [V. Max Brown]

Petal (all petals = Corolla), usually white or colored to attract insects; absent in some plants

Inflorescence – the flowering portion - single flower stalk within the Sepal (all sepals = Calyx), usually of a plant (includes all flowers on the . – stalk of a solitary green and similar to leaves but may plant) flower or of whole inflorescence. The Pedicel be colored; absent in some plants, is the first Internode (stem between Nodes) but rarely – All Petals and Sepals below the flower; A Node is the position on a taken together, the Petals then stem where a and leaves may originate make up the inner whorl of the Perianth

Anthesis – (time – term used for term) During the both petals and sepals time of flowering, when they are , and/or generally alike and reproductive period difficult to tell apart PLANT TERMS – Flowers – Coalescence vs Adnation [V. Max Brown]

Coalescence (Coalescent) and Adnation (Adnate) and synonyms are terms that describe fusion within the 4 major floral parts – petals, sepals, stamens, and pistils. Only the petals and sepals will be considered here.

1 -Coalescence (Coalescent) – the fusion of like parts such as one to another or all petals, etc. Connate is a synonym. Coherent is similar but means only superficially joined with like parts.

2 -Adnation (Adnate) – the fusion of unlike parts such as a stamens to a petals. Adnation is less common than Coalescence but does occur. Adherent is similar but means only superficially joined with unlike parts.

In Describing sepals and petals the following prefixes are sometimes used (different authors will use some of the following).

1. (sym-) meaning fused such as sympetalous forming a corolla tube or syn- such as synsepalus forming a calyx tube, fusion may be little or a lot. Other synonyms are (gamo-) meaning fusion of like parts such as gamopetalus or gamosepalus. (Sym- and Syn- both mean united)

2. (a-) such as apetalous or asepalus meaning without petals or sepals (not present at all).

3. (chori-) such as choripetalous or chorisepalus meaning with separate or having distinct petals or sepals – however, some authors use the prefix chori- if any but not all petals for instance are fused. Other synonyms for separate petals (or sepals) is (poly-) as in polypetalous and (apo-) as in apopetalous.

The term Free is sometimes used for separate unlike parts. The term Contiguous means touching but not joined in any way. PLANT TERMS – Flowers – petals and sepals [V. Max Brown]

Polypetalous – petals separated or free, Sympetalous – all petals fused or united at least partially at base, Petaloid – Apetalous – without petals actually colored sepals in this case

Polypetalous - (petals free, not fused)

Apetalous - with 3 sepals Petaloids and Sepaloids - they (colored inside) and no petals appear to be petals and sepals but 4 blue sepals occur by a different origin (for (no petals) Sympetalous (lower petals fused) example a petal or may look like a sepal) Polysepalous – sepals separated or free, Synsepalous – all sepals fused or united at least partially at base, Asepalous – without sepals (rare)

Some plants such as the Grass Family ( or Gramineae) lack both sepals and petals

Polysepalous Synsepalous PLANT TERMS – Flowers – petals and sepals [V. Max Brown]

Clawed – petals or sepals that are dramatically Hairy Petals narrowed at base Fringed Petals

Reflexed petals Coneflower - with petals strongly Reflexed Reflexed sepals Reflexed – a floral part that is strongly bent back or down PLANT TERMS – Flowers – petal shapes and color [V. Max Brown]

Notched (like a bite) or Toothed – if the notches or teeth are much less than half the length of the petal

Color may be always true to a or variations sometimes occur as above in Lobed – if the lobe is greater than a Cleft – greater these 2 species little but less then half the length of than half the length the petal of the petal The petal shape terms to the left are usually not rigorously enforced but the same terms will be used more formally in describing the leaves of such as

Divided -almost as if Parted and then Parted – much the petals are totally greater than half the deeply lobed or cleft divided (to base) (5 to in this example length of the petal 10 above) PLANT TERMS – Flowers – and phyllaries [V. Max Brown] Bract – a reduced -like (specialized) structure sometimes found at the base of a flower or at the base of an Inflorescence – absence/presence, number, shape, etc. are often important ID aids.

Involucre – a whorl of Bracts at the base of an Inflorescence, many families have Involucres) – some flowers may have only 1 bract or none.

Bracts at base of individual flowers

Spiny Bracts Phyllary – a Bract within an Involucre but above and below only in the Family (a very the Inflorescence large family) – often very important in the ID of plants in this family – more on phyllaries later Leaf-Like Bracts PLANT TERMS – Flowers – bracts and bracteoles [V. Max Brown]

Involucel – 2nd order Involucre, a smaller set of bracts at base of a secondary inflorescence (secondary in this case) – individual 2nd order bracts could be termed Bractlet(s) or Bracteole(s)

Bract – at base of Inflorescence (part of an Involucre (several bracts subtending the inflorescence) PLANT TERMS – Flowers – Spathe and [V. Max Brown]

Spathe – 1 or more bracts that partially encloses a flower or inflorescence; Spadix - a thickened spike of usually densely crowded small flowers (often protected by a Spathe) - found in a few families

Spadix (no Spathe on this plant) Spathe (no Spadix) Spadix

Spadix Spathe PLANT TERMS – Flowers – Asteraceae Family [V. Max Brown] The Asteraceae (Aster Family) have composite flowers (many flowers in one) set on a (an expanded portion of the stem) on a peduncle. These flowers are composed of Ray and Disc florets (Floret - small flower or 1 of many small flowers). There are 3 types of composite flowers (see below).

Disc Florets 2 types of Florets in Asteraceae Receptacle

Ray florets – tubular at base, then a single flat ray or strap - ligulite

Disc florets (tubular shaped, usually 4 or 5 lobed

3 types of flowers in the Family Asteraceae

1. Radiate – 2. Ligulate (strap- contains both ray shaped) – contains and disc florets only ray florets 3. Discoid – contains only disc florets PLANT TERMS – Phyllaries (Involucral Bracts in the Asteraceae) [V. Max Brown]

In some Asteraceae (Aster Family), the shape and form of the Involucral Bracts (Phyllaries) are very important in ID – a few examples below and next slide.

See section on Leaves for shape definitions

linear to Spreading (pointing lanceolate, glandular outward), in long pointed triangular Filiform – thread- awl-shaped overlapping like (imbricated) rows

oblanceolate to Fleshy with triangular lanceolate ovate, sharp point, black points very long Phyllaries ciliate PLANT TERMS – Phyllaries (Involucral Bracts in the Asteraceae) [V. Max Brown]

In some Asteraceae (Aster Family), the shape and form of the Involucral Bracts (Phyllaries) are very important in ID – a few examples below.

Awl-like to Filiform Wavy-edged or Spine tipped Ciliate (hair-like) or Fringed (hair and curved undulating or bristles)

Densely Hairy Star - shaped Spine-tipped with cobwebby hairs Spine-tipped and also with long Spine- tipped branched Also In the Asteraceae (Aster Family), the shape and form of basal bracts bracts (if present) on the small Ray and Disc florets and Pappus (modified calyx of Ray and Disc florets) can also be important in ID – discussed later PLANT TERMS – Flowers - Shape – General Terms [V. Max Brown]

Individual flowers may be (A) Zygomorphic (or Irregular) and bilaterally symmetrical or (B) Actinomorphic (or Regular) and radially symmetrical.

Zygomorphic or Irregular – bilaterally symmetrical, Actinomorphic or regular – radially symmetrical, any only one plane in space can divide the flower into plane that contains the central axis will divide the mirror (identical) images (in the above photos the flower in half and produce mirror images plane is vertical along the mid-line of the flower) PLANT TERMS – Flowers - Shape – General Terms [V. Max Brown]

Some flowers are strongly zygomorphic (irregular), a few are shown below, others will be discussed in family descriptions

Sepals

Petals

Aristolochia tomentosa (Woolly Pipe ) - the flower capensis (spotted Touch-Me- Arethusa bulbosa (Dragon's Mouth) – is composed of an “S” shaped Not or Jewelweed – it is Resupinate an orchid with 3 colored sepals fused into fused calyx which expands and (twisted or inverted, upside down) at 2, 3 petals with 1 petal forming a fringed flares into 3 irregular lobes at maturity; 3 sepals (1 colored sepal forms and ridged lip, the sepals and petals form the apex, also expanded at a covering and bent spur, the other 2 an arch and covering for the lip – many base (this plant is Apetalous - sepals small and ovate); 5 petals (the 2 orchids as above are also Resupinate without petals) lateral petals consist of 2 fused petals, the (twisted in development) 5th petal is above at maturity) PLANT TERMS – General Flower Shape Terms [V. Max Brown]

Salverform - thin or narrow tube and flared; Explanate – spread Calceolate or Saccate – sac-like out flat like petals above Urceolate - urn- or pitcher-like, hollow with narrow mouth

Corolla is mostly closed, in this example - Plaits (a pleat or fold) occurs between the petals (Plicate)

Infundibular - (funnel-shaped) Fenestrate (opening or Campanulate - Campanulate and transparent area, like a bell-like somewhat Globose (globe- window, into the flower) like or rounded)

Tubular – tube-shaped Cruciform - petals shaped like a cross PLANT TERMS – General Flower Shape Terms [V. Max Brown]

Labiate – with Lips

Labium – lower of 2 lips Bilabiate - 2-lipped flower, each lip is often lobed (fused Galeate (helmet-like; referring to the hood-like petals) Galea (helmet-like upper lip of some 2-lipped corollas) Throat almost closed

Bilabiate - 2-lipped and Personate - 2- Elephant Head Lousewort (Figwort Family) lipped with throat mostly closed

Bilabiate - 2-lipped and Ringent - wide gaping like a mouth PLANT TERMS – Flower Shape Terms [V. Max Brown]

Banner Keel Wing Wings

Keel Banner Inverted (reversed, upside down) Papilianaceous

Carinate (with keel) and Papilionaceous (butterfly-like) – flowers in the (Pea Family) have a 5-part corolla with Banner or Standard (upper large single petal, sometimes termed the Vexillum), Keel (lower 2 fused petals enclosing stamens and pistil), and Wings (Ala – wing-like extension) (2 side petals) – sometimes it can be difficult to make out the Papilionaceous structure.

Petal Inflated (a general Gibbous (swollen, a term) - calyx in this general term), usually on case- also Ampliate the ventral or bottom side Corniculate (Horns with Hoods) and – enlarged or and then it is specifically Reflexed petals) – see Asclepiadaceae expanded termed Ventricose (Milkweed Family) for further discussion PLANT TERMS – Terms for Specialized parts of Flowers [V. Max Brown]

Spurs

Calcarate (with spur(s)) – a spur-shaped, closed appendage formed from sepal(s), petal(s), or both – spurs may be quite variable and important in ID

Spurs

Stipe – a stalk that supports a structure; in this example the ovaries Stipe connects the receptacle (below) with reflexed sepals (petals have fallen) to the aggregate of Inflorescence with large outside ovaries above. Sterile or infertile flowers stipe Beard – tufts or stripes of long hairs relexed sepals PLANT TERMS – Glands and Nectaries Glands are present in many families [V. Max Brown] and on many floral parts – stems, petioles, leaves, hairs, and other flower parts

Basal Glands (sometimes with fringed covers) on petals, often attended by ants

Ice cream cone shaped gland found on the of some members of the Fabaceae (Pea) Family, ants often present

Glands at leaf base Sepals yellow, petals are reduced to Nectaries ( or producing ) PLANT TERMS – Terms for Specialized parts of Flowers [V. Max Brown]

Coronas

Petals

Coronate (with Corona) - a petal-like structure (an added whorl of floral parts) that sometimes is present between stamens and petals PLANT TERMS – Flowers – -part or -merous terminology [V. Max Brown]

All flowers below are considered 5-merous or 5-part (5-petaled) flowers for ID - lobes and lips count, doesn’t matter if they are fused or not so beware! PLANT TERMS – Flower Anatomy – Some general orientation terms [V. Max Brown]

Adaxial (or Ventral) – a term referring to a part that is facing toward the axis of the structure (upper part of leaf (is Adaxial) faces the stem in this case)

Abaxial (or Dorsal) – a term referring to a part that is facing away from the axis of the structure (lower part of leaf (is Pendant – Abaxial) faces away from stem hanging down in this case)

In zoology Dorsal refers to the upper side or back part (posterior) of an organism and Ventral to the lower side or front part (anterior) of an organism

Geniculate – a sharp, Subapical – position term (just below tip), in this case subapical tuffs of knee-like bend, peduncle hair just below point of teeth; Apical – at tip or apex of structure in this case PLANT TERMS – Flower Anatomy – Some general orientation terms [V. Max Brown]

Flower parts are Alternate if they lie between other floral parts and Opposite if they are directly in line with other floral parts. One can also use the prefix “Anti” with floral parts if they are Opposite – Antepetalous, etc.

Petaloid

Stamen Colored Sepal Petal Petal Sepal

The flower above shows an Alternate arrangement of stamens to petals and an Opposite arrangement of stamens to sepals and of In the above flower the larger Petaloids are facing course an Alternate arrangement of petals to sepals or directly opposite a Sepal (Antepetalous) and the Sepals (Antesepalous) are facing or directly opposite the Petaloids.

Note the angles between the members of the Perianth are equal. PLANT TERMS – Flower Anatomy – Some general orientation terms [V. Max Brown]

Secund – individual flowers occurring or arranged on one side of rachis (Axis within an Inflorescence) PLANT TERMS – Dots, Patches, and other Markings on flowers [V. Max Brown]

In a some cases various color markings may be important in ID PLANT TERMS – The Androecium ( - Filament and Anther) [V. Max Brown]

The Staminate (male) part of the reproductive system is the Stamen – a stamen is composed of the Filament (stalk) and the Anther (bearing the ). The Androecium consists of all the Stamens of a flower.

The stamens usually make The Anthers contain in up a whorl inside the locules (cavities or sacs) that produce the perianth (sepals and petals) Pollen. Pollen Grains (Haploid) may be and surround the of various shapes and colors (often (Carpels) (the female yellow), have various surface textures, reproductive portion of a and are eventually distributed by wind, Perfect flower). water, or insect vectors.

To the Left, the Filaments are attached to the back of the Anthers (Dorsifixed), if the attachment is near the middle of the Anther it is termed Versatile – this lets the anther swing freely, or it may not having a strong attachment or it can be Anther attached to one end (base) of the Filament (Bassifexed). Filament

Anthers are often 2-lobed and release their pollen through slits ( (splitting apart)), others open by pores, valves, etc. PLANT TERMS – The Androecium (Stamen - Filament and Anther) [V. Max Brown]

Or the anthers may be separated and attached to the side of the Filament (Anthers Adnate – Adnate a general term for fusion of different parts).

Anthers may be of many shapes, in this case extremely Linear

Others attachments are possible but not common. – a sterile stamen (no pollen), may be present and modified to another function. The Pollinium (pollinia) are pollen flower to the right has 3 masses (here resembling regular stamens (lower saddlebags), typical in the left of flower), the Asclepiadaceae Family in this case (Milkweed-type Flower) and have a /brown spot in also in the center (perhaps to attract (Orchid) family (pollen is held insects). in packets of wax) True Stamens PLANT TERMS – The Androecium (Stamen - Filament and Anther) [V. Max Brown]

Petanantherous – stamen with petaloid (resembling a petal) filament; Petalode – an organ, usually a stamen, resembling a petal

Filaments and flowers may be very “Hairy”

Included – stamens within floral tube, not projecting out of corolla (corolla tube is cut-away to see stamens)

Adnate – (general term – the fusion of different parts of a structure), in this case of stamens fused to corolla, it would be Adnate Stamens or Phaenantherous (Exserted) Stamens – the stamens are Epipetalous projecting or protruding out of corolla (attached to Petals) Polystemonous (Polyandrous) – many stamens, sometimes masking the other flower parts PLANT TERMS – The Androecium (Stamen - Filament and Anther) [V. Max Brown]

Stamens reduced, no anthers

Didelphous – the stamens are fused True Stamen (coalescent) into 2 sets, 1 set usually much larger than the other – in above example, 9 are fused with 1 left solitary (above the others) – hence di- for 2.

2 sets of stamens, the upper ones reduced and are without anthers, the lower stamens are Bassifexed - filaments attached at base (female part) of anthers projecting out from fused stamens

Monadelphous – the filaments of the stamens are fused (coalescent) forming a ring of tissue surrounding Anthers coalescent the Gynoecium (female structure) – hence mona- for 1.

[see next slide for more details] PLANT TERMS – The Androecium (Stamen - Filament and Anther) [V. Max Brown]

Monadelphous – the filaments of the stamens are fused (coalescent) forming a ring of tissue surrounding the Gynoecium (female structure) – hence mona- for 1.

Petal that was removed (from left photo) with strip of a portion of the fused or coalescent filaments with anthers

Gynoecium PLANT TERMS – The Gynoecium (Pistil - , Style and Stigma) [V. Max Brown]

The Gynoecium is the female reproductive part of the flower and includes all the Locule (cavity or sac) Carpels. A Carpel is a single highly modified leaf and consists of a simple Pistil which – in a single carpel has an Ovary (at the base containing , producing ), a Style (the stalk), and a Stigma (top portion that receives the pollen).

If there are 2 or more carpels that are separate then each is a Pistil, if there are 2 or more carpels that are united then together they make up one pistil

Stigma

Style

Pistil Ovules or Seeds Ovary Funiculus – the stalk of the

Locule – the chamber in the Ovary that contains the Ovules (immature seed) PLANT TERMS – The Gynoecium (Pistil - Ovary, Style and Stigma) [V. Max Brown]

The Stigma receives the Pollen and a grows from the Stigma through the Style to the Ovary. Styles may be single (simple), fused or branched, and variously shaped. A simple Style, may be a single or fused

Bilobed capitate (head-like) stigma Part of flower cut away to see structure

Style is fused below but branched above

Style here is fused at base, then branched into 3 and then branched again to the Stigmas PLANT TERMS – The Gynoecium (Pistil - Ovary, Style and Stigma) [V. Max Brown]

Monocarpous – a single Carpel (a simple Pistil); If there are no Carpels then it is Acarpous

Syncarpous – Fused or Connate or Compound Carpels, ovaries sometimes lobed (but not always) indicating fusion. Semicarpous – Carpels partially fused with separate stigmas and styles.

Ring of Carpels on a If Syncarpous or Semicarpous it can be difficult Receptacle to determine the number of ovaries due to fusion – ovaries, styles and stigmas may or may not be Apocarpous – multiple separate carpels, ovaries free (not fused, one can count the styles if separate to fused). Polygynous – many styles or pistils determine the number of ovaries. PLANT TERMS – OVARY POSITION [V. Max Brown]

Ovary Position is often an important in ID. It describes the position of the ovary to the attachment of the whorled floral parts (sepals (calyx), petals (corolla), and Andoroecium (all stamens taken together)). The possibilities are:

1. Superior (Hypogynous) – floral parts attached below ovary 2. Inferior (Epigynous) – floral parts attached above ovary 3. Intermediate position – a (a floral cup formed from the basal fusion (Adnation) of the Corolla, Calyx and Androecium) is sometimes present. If the Hypanthium is attached partway up the side of the ovary, the ovary position is intermediate and termed Half-Inferior; if the Hypanthium surrounds the ovary but is not attached to it, the attachment is still below the ovary and so the position is still Superior but is now termed Perigynous.

Stigma(s) Stigma(s)

Style Style

Ovary Looking down into the Hypanthium Floral floral cup (Floral Cup), Attachment partially cut away to see the Superior (Hypogynous) Ovary Ovary Superior (Perigynous) PLANT TERMS – OVARY POSITION [V. Max Brown]

Ovary Position is often an important tool in ID. It describes the position of the ovary to the attachment of the whorled floral parts (sepals (calyx), petals (corolla), and Andoroecium (all stamens taken together)). The possibilities are:

1. Superior (Hypogynous) – floral parts attached below ovary 2. Inferior (Epigynous) – floral parts attached above ovary 3. Intermediate position – a Hypanthium (a floral cup formed from the basal fusion (Adnation) of the Corolla, Calyx and Androecium) is sometimes present. If the Hypanthium is attached partway up the side of the ovary, the ovary position is intermediate and termed Half-Inferior; if the Hypanthium surrounds the ovary but is not attached to it, the attachment is still below the ovary and so the position is still Superior but is now termed Perigynous.

Hypanthium (Floral Floral Cup) attached to the Attachment ovary very close to the top Ovary

Inferior (Epigynous)

Half-Inferior (Intermediate) – some use the term Inferior for true Inferior and any Intermediate attachment. PLANT TERMS – Chaffy Bracts and Pappus in the Asteraceae [V. Max Brown]

A Pappus of scales Chaffy Bract (in place at base of ovary, removed to see better B below Note that the Pappus of ovary position bristles is Epigynous or Inferior

Pappus – modified calyx (sepals) on Ray and Disc Ovary Florets – may be of scales, bristles, (Barbellate) bristles with barbs, (A) Ray and (B) Disc (Plumose) like feathers, Florets of a composite branched, etc. flower in the Asteraceae Family PLANT TERMS – Monoecious and Dioecious plants [V. Max Brown]

Although many Flowers may be Perfect (male or Staminate and female or Pistillate parts in the same flower), others are Monoecious – flowers Imperfect (each flower either staminate or pistillate but both on the same plant) OR Dioecious – flowers Imperfect with staminate and pistillate flowers on different plants. 3 Monoecious Examples upper Pistillate Spike upper Staminate Spike

upper Staminate Spike

Lower staminate Lower Pistillate flowers flowers in leaf axils in leaf axils

Lower Pistillate flowers

Common [Annual] Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) Pineland Threeseed Mercury A sedge in flower ( Riddell) Androgynous – Monoecious, Androgynous – Monoecious, with staminate above and Gynaecandrous – with staminate above and pistillate below on the Monoecious, with pistillate pistillate below on the Inflorescence above and staminate below Inflorescence on the Inflorescence PLANT TERMS – Monoecious and Dioecious plants [V. Max Brown]

Although many Flowers may be Perfect (male or Staminate and female or Pistillate parts in the same flower), some are Monoecious – flowers Imperfect (each flower either staminate or pistillate but both on the same plant) OR Dioecious – flowers Imperfect with staminate and pistillate flowers on different plants. 2 Dioecious Examples

Staminate Flowers Staminate Flowers

Pistillate Flowers Pussytoes (Antennaria sps.)

It gets even more interesting. Gyno-Dioecious – some plants have Perfect flowers and others are Pistillate only, Pistillate Flowers (at early and mature stage) Andro-Dioecious – Perfect on some plants, Staminate only on others. Of course there is Andro-Polygamous (Andro- Box Elder (separate trees) – Acer negundo Monoecious) – Perfect and Staminate flowers on same plant PLANT TERMS – Plants with other ways of making a living [V. Max Brown]

Saprophyte (saprophytic) – lacks , lives on dead and decaying organic material; Parasite (parasitic) – lacks chlorophyll, lives by taking its living (food) from a host organism; Epiphyte (Epiphytic) – has chlorophyll but lives and grows on another plant; a few plants are Carnivorous (Insect-eating) and some plant-like organisms have a Symbiotic (mutual supporting) relationship (the ). A few examples are below.

Saprophyte Parasites Epiphytes

Beechdrops Epifagus virginiana Southern Needleleaf (L.) W. Bartram Spanish setacea Sw. One-Flowered Tillandsia Indian Pipe [Corpse Plant] usneoides (L.) L. Monotropa uniflora L. Broomrape [Cancer-Root] L. Symbiotic Epifagus

Carnivorous – a composite [Purple] Northern organism composed of a Pitcherplant fungus and either a green purpurea L. or a cynobacterium ssp. purpurea with clorophyll PLANT TERMS – Inflorescence Types [V. Max Brown]

Inflorescence types can be a little confusing. First we start with 2 definitions that will apply to some types of . The list at the bottom gives the more common types of inflorescences.

1 – Indeterminate Inflorescence - an unbranched elongated inflorescence with the lateral flowers blooming first, the terminal or apical continues to grow (elongate) and may form for an indeterminate period of time. So, new flowers are continually blooming at the top and the oldest flowers (or fruit) will be at the bottom of the inflorescence.

2 – Determinate Inflorescence - an unbranched inflorescence with the terminal or apical bud becoming a solitary central flower, blooming first, thereby stopping any further elongation of the main axis or stem so that the length of the inflorescence is essentially determined (or predetermined). Lateral buds flower later than the central bud and usually have longer pedicels.

Types of Inflorescences:

-Solitary or Terminal Flower (also Axillary Flowers) -Head or Capitate - Asteraceae (Aster Family) -Umbel (simple and compound) Indeterminate Inflorescences -Spike (including Verticillate, Scoripoid, Spadix and Catkin (or Ament)) - -Corymb -Panicle Determinate Inflorescences -Cyme (including a Glomerule) -Thyrse (indeterminate main axis, determinate branches – a panicle with cymose branches) PLANT TERMS – Inflorescence Types – Solitary or Terminal Flower (also Axillary Flowers) [V. Max Brown]

Axillary Flowers from leaf axils – although it may look like there is no pedicel or stalk in some cases, Solitary or Terminal Flower – on a Pedicel or there is one present – think of it as a very small , either terminal in position or a terminal branch found above a leaf at a node in which the flower on a main branch from a node (axillary branch ends with a Solitary flower. A leaf or bract position) will usually subtend the flower. PLANT TERMS – Inflorescence Types – Solitary or Terminal Flower [V. Max Brown]

Solitary – a single flower on a long pedicel or scape (found in many families) but this is particularly important in ID of violets – they are divided into Caulescent (Stemmed) and Acaulescent (Stemless)

Acaulescent (Stemless) – a flower on a stem Caulescent (Stemmed) – a flower on a without leaves (such a stem is termed a Scape) – in stem with leaves – in this case a Solitary this case a Solitary flower – such plants usually have flower on a Pedicel basal leaves PLANT TERMS – Inflorescence Types – Head or Capitate Type [V. Max Brown]

Head (Capitate – head-like) – flowers in a dense and compact arrangement or cluster in the Asteraceae (Aster Family) - the flowers are sessile or perhaps subsessile on an enlarged Receptacle on the Peduncle in the Asteraceae (Aster Family).

The size and shape of the Receptacle may not be greatly different from the stem when on a pedicel in many other families but is usually much larger and may be flat, convex, conical but rarely concave in the Asteraceae (Aster Family) because it bears many flowers (see next slide for more examples)

Disc Florets Receptacle

Ray floret Phyllaries

The Receptacle Is sometimes termed the Torus or the Thalamus. PLANT TERMS – Inflorescence Types – Head or Capitate Type [V. Max Brown]

Larger Receptacles in the Asteraceae Family

Smaller Receptacles in other families Large Receptacle with embedded pistils (American Lotus) PLANT TERMS – Inflorescence Types - [V. Max Brown]

UMBEL – pedicels (flower stem or stalk) arising from a common point – there are simple and compound umbels (think of compound Umbel as an Umbel of Umbels). Umbels may be round, flat, convex or concave and the rays may be of equal length or uneven in length. Bracts often occur at base of simple and compound Umbels. This inflorescence type is found in several families but characteristic of the ( or Parsley Family)

Secondary Umbels (Umbellets)

Pedicel length same

Primary ray of compound Umbel Pedicel length different Primary Umbel Peduncle

Compound Umbels Umbellets

Simple Umbels – pedicels from a common point, ray length may or may not be similar Involucel PLANT TERMS – Inflorescence Types - Spikes [V. Max Brown]

SPIKE – an indeterminate elongated terminal inflorescence with sessile to sub-sessile (pedicel absent or very short) flowers – the flowers may be scattered along the rachis (rachis still visible) or so dense as to obscure the rachis (stem of inflorescence). Adjective is Spicate

Very Dense spikes

Somewhat more open spikes PLANT TERMS – Inflorescence Types – Spikes (Verticillate and Scorpioid) [V. Max Brown]

VERTICILLATE INFLORESCENCE – whorled arrangement of flowers, often at leaf axils (a type of Scorpioid Spike – coiled like a scorpion tail, Spike) – particularly common in the (Mint flowers sessile and Secund (on one side) Family)

Verticil – a whorled set of flowers or leaves PLANT TERMS – Inflorescence Types – Spikes (Spadix and, Catkin) [V. Max Brown]

Catkin – a Spike or perhaps Raceme Spadix - a thickened spike of usually densely (inflorescence) of unisexual flowers crowded and small flowers (often protected by a found in a few families Spathe) - found in a few families

Spadix PLANT TERMS – Inflorescence Types - [V. Max Brown]

RACEME – an indeterminate elongated terminal inflorescence with flowers having noticeable pedicels – basically a spike except flowers are stalked (have pedicels). Adjective is Racemose PLANT TERMS – Inflorescence Types - Spikes [V. Max Brown]

CORYMB – an indeterminate inflorescence like a raceme but with pedicels of different lengths (lower ones much longer than upper), causing the inflorescence to be a flat-topped cluster of individual flowers – younger buds in the center with older flowers or fruit to outside. Pedicels do not arise from a common point. It is a compound corymb if inflorescence is branched. Adjective is Corymbose PLANT TERMS – Inflorescence Types – Panicle and Thyrse [V. Max Brown]

PANICLE – an elongated and branched inflorescence of spikes, racemes or corymbs – inflorescence is fairly open (flowers not densely packed). Adjective is Paniculate

A THYRSE is a very compact, congested or dense Panicle (flowers densely packed) – the main axis in Indeterminate but the branches are usually Determinate. Adjective is Thyrsoid.

Panicles Panicles are fairly common in grasses PLANT TERMS – Inflorescence Types - Cymes [V. Max Brown]

CYME – a determinate unbranched inflorescence – so, the terminal bud flowers and then lateral buds (on pedicels) flower later (younger). There are 2 possibilities (forms); 1 –The branches (pedicels of younger lateral buds) are alternate (a Monochasium Infloresence) and 2 –the branches (pedicels of younger lateral buds) are opposite (a Dichasium Inflorescence). It is a compound cyme if branched. Adjective is Cymose PLANT TERMS – Inflorescence Types – Cymes (Helicoid and Glomerule) [V. Max Brown]

Helicoid Cyme - coiled like a helix, with decreasing Glomerule – a dense Cyme (usually a head-like peduncle length toward apex dense cluster) LEAVESPLANT TERMS - Leaves [V. Max Brown]

Leaves may form at nodes and may be Simple (single or undivided) or Compound (a single leaf divided into distinct or separate segments usually termed leaflets – these leaves may be pinnate or palmate compound).

apex Major Vein A Simple Leaf Midrib Leaf Base – often thickened at attachment to stem Internode (stem between nodes) Node (place on stem where leaves and/or branches originate)

Petiole – leaf stalk; leaf is Sessile if attached directly to stem without a petiole. A leaf occurs at Leaf Blade a Node. LEAVESPLANT TERMS - Leaves – Veins Parallel Veined – vein [V. Max Brown] pattern common in Midrib (major or middle vein) and next major branches which are commonly Pinnate (branching to midrib) or sometimes Palmate (branching from a point at the base of leaf and then smaller veins usually pinnate), these vein patterns are common in

Midrib

Smaller veins are often Net Veined Smaller veins (Reticulated) – also parallel this branching scheme is common in Dicotyledons

Major veins Pinnate Dichotomous Venation – fan shaped venation with veins forking or branching from a commom point at base, very rare, leaf of Major veins Palmate (originating Biloba from a common point), minor veins (China) and some pinnate PLANT TERMS – Leaves – Vein [V. Max Brown]

Sometimes vein morphology is important in identification of a plant – some examples of vein morphology are given below.

Veins curve toward Veins curve strongly Veins curve very Veins curve very tip and end at toward tip but do not strongly at strongly and each margin converge at tip margins toward tip major vein converges at tip

Submarginal Vein – a Vein that is somewhat parallel to the leaf margin PLANT TERMS – Leaves – Vein Morphology [V. Max Brown]

In some species veins may ‘stand 3 major veins from base out’ in relief either on the upper or lower surface

Each vein or branched vein ends at tooth apex above, sometimes (other Unusually raised network type plants) veins end at both apex and veining on the undersurface of this between teeth. Sometimes veins leaf 5 major veins from base branch and in other plants do not PLANT TERMS – Leaves – Vein Morphology [V. Max Brown]

Note secondary cross veins between major veins

Veins originating from center of leaf and branching toward margin of leaf – petiole attachment is Peltate (in the center on the under surface of leaf) PLANT TERMS – Leaves – Vein Morphology [V. Max Brown]

Central portion of leaf thickened and spongy with larger cells helping the flotation of leaf – note the changing venation from the spongy larger cells in the center to the smaller margin cells (Limnobium spongia, American frogbit) PLANT TERMS – Leaves – [V. Max Brown]

Stipulary bristles

Stipules – leaf-like appendages at base of petiole, often reduced to a scale, spine or often not present

Stipules – on winter twigs of 2 species PLANT TERMS – Leaves – Dots, Spots and Vein Colorations [V. Max Brown]

In a few cases various markings and discolorations of leaves may be important in ID

Upper and Lower surfaces of leaf in this case with distinct colors PLANT TERMS – Leaf Attachments to Stem [V. Max Brown]

Petiole – stalk which connects Leaf Winged Petioles to stem; Petiolate – with Petiole

Sessile – leaf attached directly to stem with no petiole

Peltate – petiole attached to center of leaf

Leaves Strongly Clasping stem PLANT TERMS – Leaf Attachments to Stem [V. Max Brown]

Connate-Perfoliate – stem surrounded by fused opposite leaves, sometimes forming a cup

Perfoliate – single leaf completely surrounds stem PLANT TERMS – Leaf Arrangement on Stem [V. Max Brown]

Leaves may be arranged at the base - Basal (base of stem) and/or Cauline (along stem at nodes)

Rosette – whorled arrangement of leaves usually at base of plant, many Biennial plants form a Basal of leaves the first year and then produces a stem with flowers the second year; Rosulate – a rosette of leaves lacking a stem or stem is Basal leaves very short

Cauline (stem) leaves

Rosettes of leaves – grass rosette on right PLANT TERMS – Leaf Arrangement on Stem [V. Max Brown]

Cauline leaves may be Alternate (one leaf per node), Opposite (two leaves per node on opposite side of stem), or Whorled (three or more leaves per node encircling stem) - * a few plants may have 2 of these 3 types such as both opposite and alternate, one above the other on the stem.

Whorled (or Verticillate)

Opposite Alternate PLANT TERMS – Leaf Arrangement on Stem [V. Max Brown]

Distichous – leaves in 2 vertical rows or ranks on the opposite side of the stem

Ranked – in vertical rows as viewed down the stem

Sinistrorse

Dextrose – leaves alternate and spirally arranged down the stem to the right; Decussate – opposite with next set on Sinistrorse – leaves alternate and spirally arranged down 6 – Ranked - viewed stem at 90 degrees the stem to the left down the stem PLANT TERMS – Leaf Arrangement on Stem [V. Max Brown]

Decurrent Leaf – leaf base extends down the stem (leaf base here is winged) PLANT TERMS – Leaf Shape (generally) [V. Max Brown]

One can go crazy with this – only the most common shapes will be shown and often the example given may not be perfect. When not sure I often combine names with a hyphen. I have tried to combine overall leaf shape with leaf base and leaf tip terms.

Beware - Leaf size, shape, petiole length (if any) are often different for Cauline and Basal leaves, and may also change depending on stem location and light levels on the same plant – this is especially true in and trees Oblong (sides mostly parallel with blunt rounded ends)

Ovate to lanceolate

Lanceolate (leaf lance-shaped, longer than wide, with widest point below middle, leaf base is cuneate – tapering or wedge-shaped)

Lanceolate (leaf lance-shaped, longer than wide, with widest point below middle, leaf base truncate – at right angles)

Falcate (curved or sickle-shaped) PLANT TERMS – Leaf Shape (generally) [V. Max Brown]

Trullate (like a trowel), almost Rhombic (diamond shaped)

Deltoid (more or less shaped like an equilateral triangle). The base is Truncate (squared off, right angled to stem).

Cordate leaf, Cordate Cordate (heart-shaped leaf base with rounded sinus and base is also Cordate) Reniform (kidney shaped). The base is Cordate (heart-shaped) PLANT TERMS – Leaf Shape (generally) [V. Max Brown]

Orbicular ( fairly Orbicular to widely Ovate circular in outline) (somewhat circular but attached end is a little wider than apical Rotund - Elliptical end) Elliptical (ellipse–like, (Rotund – somewhat widest point near rounded in outline) middle; base is Rounded)

Ovate to Widely Lanceolate Generally Elliptical to Ovate – generally rotund or egg-shaped but with wider end at attachment PLANT TERMS – Leaf Shape (generally) [V. Max Brown]

generally Ovate and coarsely toothed Ovate and tri-lobed toward base Ovate to Widely Lanceolate with Basal Lobes

Ovate with basal lobes

Obovate shape; Emarginate (notched at tip), close to being Retuse (more Obelliptic (almost elliptical) to shallowly notched and less rounded somewhat obovate (reverse apex) but not deep enough to be Obovate (reverse Ovate with wider end Ovate); the tip would be Obtuse Obcordate (reverse Cordate at tip) – toward tip and attached by narrow end, with – rounded) are we having fun yet? Acuminate tip – pointed with concave sides) PLANT TERMS – Leaf Shape (generally) [V. Max Brown]

Leaf shape is Cordate; leaf tip is Acuminate – Obovate petal shape to a sharp point Leaf shape is ovate to Leaf shape is obovate here with Obcordate with concave lanceolate; leaf base is to elliptical; leaf base (reverse heart-shaped) sides along the termed Oblique or is termed symmetrical tip Entire (smooth tip Inequilateral or or Aequilateral (equal margin without Assymetrical (unequal sides) teeth) sides)

Cuneate (wedge shaped Oblique (slanted) leaf base, Acute tip (<90 deg Obtuse tip (>90 deg leaf base, usually coming would be Cuneate (wedge- angle and straight) angle and straight) to a point) like) if it was narrower PLANT TERMS – Leaf Shape (generally) [V. Max Brown]

Gladiate (sword-like); Ensiform is also sword- Apiculate tip – like but somewhat small and narrower) slender Generally Ovate and Mucronate – with short, sharp tip (here on teeth or lobes) or

Lanceolate with very Aristate – ending long Acuminate tip with an Arista (an or bristle-like structure)

Lyrate (shaped like a lyre, lobes toward base usually smaller than lobes toward apex or tip) Spatulate (spoon-like) PLANT TERMS – Leaf Shape (generally) [V. Max Brown]

Filiform – thread-like Linear (line-like or long and narrow with parallel sides)

Linear to linear-lanceolate (shapes will often fall in between and its OK to describe them this way)

Scale-like (as in cedars)

Acerose (Needle-like as Awl-like (sharp, somewhat in needles) triangular in cross-section) PLANT TERMS – Leaf Shape (generally) [V. Max Brown]

Sagittate – arrowhead-shaped, lobes swept back, normally sharp, often turned down

Generally Lanceolate and Auriculate (with Auricles) – Hastate – like Sagittate, but usually basal, Hastate – like Sagittate, lobes turned out, rounded sinus rounded -like but lobes turned out (Eared) lobes – not big enough to be Sagittate or Hastate

Hastate with square or Halberd – like Hastate but rectangular Sinus with lobes at right angle PLANT TERMS – Highly Specialized Leaves [V. Max Brown]

Pitcher (modified Modified leaf for floatation Bladders (black) attached to Filiform leaf to catch insects) leaves in an aquatic Bladderwort

Thallus – a plant body that is not discernible Succulent (thick and fleshy, often Ovate but Leaves thick and as a root, stem or leaf, example above is linear - helps to retain water) leathery, somewhat succulent Duckweed PLANT TERMS – Leaf Margin Terms – Teeth and Others [V. Max Brown]

Dentate – larger sharp teeth, teeth point Serrate – larger sharp teeth, teeth point generally outward; Denticulate – finer generally forward; Serrulate – finer serrate dentate teeth Entire – no teeth teeth

Retrorse Teeth- sharp teeth Crenate – larger rounded pointed backward (example teeth; Crenulate – finer not shown) – Retorse a crenate teeth general term (directed downward or backward) PLANT TERMS – Leaf Margin Terms – Teeth and Others [V. Max Brown]

Double Toothed or Biserrate in this case

Lacerate - Irregularly toothed, cut or lobed (like torn) Gland-Tipped teeth – these are Serrate – type of teeth and position and shape of gland on teeth may be important in ID of some species

Erose – irregularly toothed

Crennate to Dentate (can be both or difficult to determine) PLANT TERMS – Leaf Margin Terms – Teeth and Others [V. Max Brown]

Crisped – wavy leaf margins (vertical or up and down, ruffled).

Sinuate – wavy margin horizontally or in and out. Involute (edges in-rolled) - Undulate (or rolled up on top surface of leaf Repand) – general term - can be used for either or both above, generally wavy.

Revolute – edges rolled down under bottom edge of leaf, lower leaf surfaces Undulate – irregularly wavy shown above PLANT TERMS – Leaves – Surface Textures [V. Max Brown]

Scabrous – rough surface due to short stiff hairs (above photo) or rough

In addition there are many Rugose (rough surface, or different types of hairs that sometimes meaning with sunken can be present – these will veins) be discussed later

Resin dotted (scattered yellow dots)

Shiny or glossy surface

Tuffs of Hairs (sometimes in vein axils particularly on under surface Punctate (general term) - (covered of some tree leaves) with sunken pits or depressions, may be glandular) Punctate PLANT TERMS – Margin Terms – Lobes and Divisions [V. Max Brown]

All leaves below are simple with major veins pinnate

Sinuate margin – wavy

Parted (Very Deeply Lobed) – > ½ to midrib, Sinuses are here rounded, lobes are coarsely toothed.

Lobed Leaf – rounded leaf segments, cut < ½ Cleft – lobed to about ½ distance to midrib to midrib – in this case Pinnately lobed (pointed toward midrib) and Pinnately veined (from Divided (deeply Parted) – cut almost to midrib). midrib, here there is still some leaf along the midrib (Pinnatifid) PLANT TERMS – Margin Terms – Lobes and Divisions [V. Max Brown]

Pinnatifid Leaf - pinnately cut but not all the way to midrib (winged between leaflets), then toothed Winged Midrib

Pinnatifid Divided – winged midrib (rachis – midrib within leaf)

Divided – lobes or cuts nearly all the way to the midrib (Pinnatifid – if pointed toward midrib or Palmatifid – if pointed toward Incised (jagged) – deep and base). Runcinate – pinnatifid cut with sharply cut, often irregular segments pointing back PLANT TERMS – Margin Terms – Lobes and Divisions [V. Max Brown]

Trifid – 3-cleft PLANT TERMS – Margin Terms – Palmate Veined with Lobes, etc. [V. Max Brown]

Tripartite (3) Lobed - Palmate veined and divided – in this case Palmate lobed tripartite (secondary veins (pointed toward base) and pinnate major veins palmately Palmate veined and Palmate lobed Veined

Palmate veined and divided Palmate Fan-leaved with many segments, most Palmate Linear-leaved segments toothed LEAF TERMS – Compound Pinnate Leaf with Pinnate Veins [V. Max Brown]

Pinnate Leaf – compound leaf, single leaf divided into separate leaflets to the stem or Rachis (central axis of compound leaf) - leaflets may be odd or even numbered)

Even-Pinnate – pinnate with Odd-Pinnate – pinnate with a paired terminal leaflets (also single terminal leaflet (also termed Paripinnate and also termed Imparipinnate) Abruptly Pinnate)

Tendril-Pinnate – pinnate with terminal LEAF TERMS – Compound Pinnate Leaf with Pinnate Veins [V. Max Brown]

Very large 2- or twice- or Bipinnate leaves – each leaflet of primary or first leaf is also pinnate (leaflets attached to a 1-Pinnate and then leaflets toothed; midrib of pinnate Rachilla). leaf is the Rachis (primary axis of leaf). The secondary midrib of a leaflet and subsequent smaller midribs (if any) The primary leaflets may be termed Pinnae (a Pinna); are termed Rachilla. secondary leaflets then are termed Pinnules (the smallest order of leaflet present whatever it is). LEAF TERMS – Compound Pinnate Leaf with Pinnate Veins [V. Max Brown] Naming compound pinnate leaves – an Example Leaf is 2- or Bipinnate 2- or Bipinnatifid - overall leaf shape is Ovate (yellow, somewhat wider nearer base in outline) 1 pinnate (Yellow) To go crazy we can have 2 pinnate (Blue) leaves which are Pinnate, Bipinnate, Tripinnate, Quadripinnate, etc. or 1 pinnatifid (Red) pinnatifid in various degrees or orders

2 pinnatifid (Black) LEAF TERMS – Compound Palmate Leaf with Pinnate and/or Palmate Veins in Leaflets – almost endless variety (Digitate – same as Palmate) [V. Max Brown]

Palmate Trifoliate (note no rachis is present)

All these leaves are compound palmate

Pinnate Trifoliate (note the rachis present on terminal leaflet only) PLANT TERMS – Stems - Sheaths [V. Max Brown]

Sheath – where one structure partially or totally surrounds another structure – often involving the stem in some way.

Leaf blade of a sedge forming a Sheath around stem

A sheath is partially formed around a petiole in this example

Leaf blade of grass forming a Sheath around stem

Swollen joints with Ocrea (fringing Sheath often with hairs or bristles) – see (Smartweed Family) PLANT TERMS – Stems – Shape, Pubescence, etc. [V. Max Brown]

Stems are often Angled, sometimes 4-angled or Square (common in the Mint family), and often Ridged; may be grooved or channeled

Glabrous Glabrous and Glaucous

Terete – stem round in cross-section; Glabrous – smooth and without hairs; Glaucous – a white waxy bloom that rubs off fairly easily PLANT TERMS – Stems – Shape, Pubescence, etc. [V. Max Brown]

Wings

Woody Winged Stems

Winged Stems

Alate – general term for winged Succulent (Fleshy and photosynthetic) stem, leaves reduced to spines PLANT TERMS – Stems – Shape, Pubescence, etc. [V. Max Brown]

Ridged stem Winged (with Spines), with hairs on and Ridged stem ridges

Downward (or upward) hooked or angled hairs on stem angles, flats, Leaves and stem grooves, etc. ‘jointed’ from overlapping ocreolae (fringing Sheath often with hairs or bristles)

Types of spines, prickles, etc. (the Prickly Stem (Aculeate) – sharp or prickly Armature) will be defined later outgrowth from epidermis (skin cells) of stem (Aculeolate – minute prickles) STEMS – MORE FEATURES OF STEMS [V. Max Brown]

Willow Goldenrod – parasitic infestation by Tendril – a twining structure used by bacteria, fungi, or often by insects for support

Hollow twig filled with , some with chambers (transverse partitions, or no filling at all) – most important in ID with woody twigs (shrubs and trees) – see Terminology on Winter Buds – any abnormal growth of the apical perpendicular to the normal growth direction of stem, root, fruit or flower caused by ending with adhesive disks hormonal, environmental, viral, bacterial, or other cause (here a strap-like runner in Sweet ) PLANT TERMS – Glands, Scales and Other Features [V. Max Brown]

Lenticels – elongated, Scaley (Scrufy – small scales) – covered with corky, raised areas on tiny scales (Squamate – covered with scales) many woody stems, Sticky milky Lactose breathing pores in some stems and leaves (colored sap also occurs)

Glands at leaf base

Glandular and often Glutinous or Viscid (sticky) Farinose or Mealy – Petiole Gland hairs dry, powdered, like meal on surface PLANT TERMS – Hairs or Pubescence [V. Max Brown]

Hair (pubescence) may be present (or not) on any or all floral parts – the hairs may be straight, curly, branched, stellate, inflated, glandular, etc. The terminology for hair type is sometimes a little difficult to always get right. Examples to follow may be on various floral parts.

Curly hairs

Inflated hairs Stellate – star-like hairs Branched hairs PLANT TERMS – Hairs or Pubescence [V. Max Brown]

Sericeous – similar to Pilose but hairs Appressed (pressed Pilose – long, dense, mostly straight, soft and unmatted, flat) – direction (Ascending or Descending, etc.) of flattened spreading (not appressed) hairs hairs may be important to ID

Almost Villous Woolly (Lanate) – similar to Sericeous but hairs interwoven or entangled (surface of leaf, etc. can still be seen) Cob-Webby – 3-dimensional tangle Woolly Villous – so Woolly that the surface of structure of Wooly, usually white hairs cannot be seen PLANT TERMS – Hairs or Pubescence [V. Max Brown]

Puberulent or Puberulous – finely or minutely hairy, hairs mostly Hispid – longer hairs, stiff Hirsute – longer, coarse and stiff straight; (bristly), that could possibly hairs but would probably not break break the skin the skin Pubescent or Pubescence – short soft hairs, not matted, not giving a whitish look or appearance to structure

Canescent – Pubescent giving a structure a whitish look or appearance

Hoary – light colored (white or Tomentose – short, dense, gray), short, abundant fine hairs matted, soft, woolly hair; Velutinous if not matted PLANT TERMS – Hairs or Pubescence [V. Max Brown]

Papillose-Hispid – hairs very stiff Ciliate or Fringed or from Pustules; Fimbriate – hairs, Pustulose – a blister-like structure bristles etc. on margin or pustule at base of hair or fringe of structure

Silky (silk-like); hairs appressed in this sample

Subapical – position term (just below tip), in this case subapical tuffs of hair just below teeth Stinging Hairs – here on fruit but may occur on other plant parts PLANT TERMS – Thorns, Spines, and Prickles [V. Max Brown]

Pith within Thorn

Thorn – a sharp woody branch, may be simple or branched, most common on some shrubs and a few trees Spine – develops from or leaf, spines usually form just below a bud or branch or on leaf edge PLANT TERMS – Thorns, Spines, and Prickles [V. Max Brown]

Both Spines and Prickles present

Prickle – develops from epidermal Retrorse Prickles – (skin) cells of the stem, usually fairly reflexed (downward) easy to remove by pushing sideways

Bristle - sharp and stiff hair-like structure, here at apex of lobes on leaves Setose – many bristles (here on fruit) PLANT TERMS – Other Stem Features – Beware of what is [V. Max Brown] considered a root structure and what is a stem structure! (Runner - a slender Stolon) – horizontal stem growing along the surface of the ground (Cinquefoil, , some brambles, etc.).

Roots at node of Stolon PLANT TERMS – Other Stem Features – Beware of what is [V. Max Brown] considered a root structure and what (Rootstalk) – horizontal stem (slender to thick and resembling roots) growing is a stem structure! below the ground, sometimes with Scale Leaves (reduced leaves found near the plant base or on rhizomes) – Rhizomes and Stolons sometimes are difficult to distinguished.

Scaly Rhizomes

Rhizome with red juice

Large, short Rhizomes

Large, non-scaly Rhizomes PLANT TERMS – Other Stem Features – , , Bulbels [V. Max Brown]

Corms and Bulbs – an enlargement of an ; a is covered with scale-like leaves (like an ). Bulbel (Bulblet) – small bulbs (both below and above ground).

Bulbels – small bulbs growing Corms – a squat or short underground at base of larger underground Bulbels – in upper leaf axils stem with a papery covering bulb (above ground); Bulblet – small Bubels

Bulb – a large Bud from an underground stem with fleshy scales. Fibrous roots usually develop at bottom of Bulb. Bulblets – in sac, wild . PLANT TERMS – Roots Root – an extension of the stem axis below ground and has no nodes and no [V. Max Brown] leaves; develops from the (part of that develops into a root) and grows downward; helps to anchor the plant and functions to absorb water and minerals (may also be used by the plant for storage of food)

Large taproots may form storage for a plant (beets, Fibrous Roots – small and very sweet potatoes, , numerous secondary roots that are turnips, etc.) all about the same size (common in grasses (monocots) where taproots The large root above is the Primary Root and is called a Taproot (a Taproot are mostly absent or degenerate System is common in Dicots); the smaller, more numerous roots are termed but rhizomes may be present) Secondary Roots. A small root is a Rootlet. PLANT TERMS – Structural and Aerating Roots [V. Max Brown]

Buttress Root – supporting root type for trees in swamp

Pneumatophores – fine, spongy aerating roots

Prop Roots – for support, in this case they are Adventitious Roots from from lower stem buds

Knee (Aerating) Root – aerating root type for trees in swamp habitats Roots support plants and in turn may exert great power in prying rocks apart PLANT TERMS – Roots and the Watertable [V. Max Brown]

Water table very high – swampy terrain. The roots of most trees do not like ‘wet feet’ and tend to be shallow and wide in these environments. These trees are much more vulnerable to blow-down by wind storms.

With a much deeper water table both horizontal and deep roots are present. These trees are more stable in wind storms. PLANT TERMS – Adventitious Roots [V. Max Brown]

An Adventitious Root is one that is formed or derived from different structures than normal and is therefore not in its usual position. A secondary or true branch root is formed from cells within a primary root. An Adventitious Root is commonly formed from a stem. The anchor roots of many vines are Adventitious Roots.

Liana – a woody climbing vine PLANT TERMS – Buds [V. Max Brown]

A Bud is a vegetative shoot or flower (or both) that has not yet developed. It is a growing region (meristematic tissue) that is often enclosed by undeveloped (immature) or special protective leaves (termed Bud Scales) – some buds are without protective scales and are termed Naked Buds. Buds form at the apex of the stem and are termed Terminal Buds and those that occur in the axils of leaves are termed Lateral or Axillary Buds. Adventitious Buds (Buds arising from unusual sources or in unusual positions) may arise from near where wounds occur on a stem or from roots and leaves.

Terminal Bud – some species have a true terminal bud, others have a tip-scar and the nearest lateral bud takes the place of a terminal bud – the to the right was already in flower (terminal bud had already opened but not the lateral buds shown)

Internode

Lateral or (s) – buds found at stem nodes in axils of leaves – Buds then will be described as the postion - as alternate, opposite or whorled

See Winter Buds part of Plant Terminology for discussion of buds, twigs, etc. in some depth PLANT TERMS – - Introduction [V. Max Brown]

Fruit (as a botanical term) consists of the Ovary and if present, the fused (adnate) floral cup (Hypanthium) and the enclosed seeds (ovules). Here the Hypanthium is assumed to be truly adnate or fused. So, flowers that have a superior ovary (Hypogynous) consists of only the Ovary whereas if the flower has a superior ovary (Perigynous) or the ovary is inferior (Epigynous) the fruit consists of both the ovary and the adnate floral cup (Hypanthium).

The Ovary (Fruit) Wall is termed the Pericarp and is divided into 3 layers – the outer Exocarp, the middle Mesocarp, and the inner layer the Endocarp.

A (as a botanical term) would include any part of a plant that is part of the vegetative structure such as stems and leaves. So green , , squash, etc. (containing ovaries and seeds) are, botanically speaking, Fruits. It gets much worse – a is a ! PLANT TERMS – Fruits Types [V. Max Brown]

A -Fleshy Fruits (of a single ovary) -True -Pepos ** I will be skipping many technical terms - that professionals use in describing fruits and giving only a simplified view! - and Drupelets B -Dry Fruits (of a single ovary) -one-seeded Dry -Indehiscent (not opening along certain or established lines of weakness or pores) Utricles or Grain and Nutlet Schiznocarp – fruit does split open but carpels do not dehisce - seeds not automatically released -many-seeded Dry -Dehiscent (do open along certain or established line(s) of weakness or pores) 1-carpel Pods - - - 2 to many carpels (capsules) -Silicle and (2 carpels) -Capsules – 2 to many carpels (many kinds of capsules) C -Compound Fruit -Fruit made up of multiple flowers -Syconium – inflorescence (when ripe) inverted into hollow receptacle – fruit of the fig -Multiple – fruit from many flowers on a crowded single axis (a Syncarp) -Fruit made from single flower but many ovaries -Hip - Carpels enclosed or surrounded by a Hypanthium -Aggregate – Carpels not enclosed by Hypanthium – fleshy drupelets on a dry receptacle -Accessory – Carpels not enclosed by Hypanthium – achenes on a fleshy receptacle PLANT TERMS – Fleshy Fruits (Single Ovary) – True Berries and Pepos [V. Max Brown]

Berry – a true berry comes from a single ovary and has a Pepos – A Pepo is a indehiscent (non-separating) leathery or fleshy (not a tough rind) outer wall (Pericarp) that is berry with multiple seeds. It has a tough leathery rind usually edible and juicy. The interior is often pulpy and may have though fleshy inside at maturity. It is often derived 1 to many seeds (lacks a core or pit). from an Inferior Ovary (Cucurbitaceae family especially).

Wild Creeping cucumber

Other common Pepos include the cantaloupe, , various melons, and squash.

Sand Grape blueberry

Other common examples include avocado, banana (yes), elderberry, may and pawpaw – many others Common Spiny Gooseberry Cucumber PLANT TERMS – Fleshy Fruits (Single Ovary) – Pomes and Drupes [V. Max Brown]

Pome – a is a fleshy indehiscent (non-separating) (and Drupelet) – A Drupe is fleshy (at maturity) fruit (berry-like) from an inferior ovary. The fleshy part indehiscent (non-separating) fruit (berry-like) with a stony or (edible) is from the Hypanthium. The core is the Ovary hard inner layer (Endocarp) containing usually but not and its outer wall is harder (cartilaginous) than the always one seed. The Exocarp and Mesocarp is fleshy. The outside fleshy part. **some would interpret the outside pit or stone in this fruit is the endocarp of the Ovary wall and part of the fruit as Accessory tissue (derived from the not from the outer wall of the seed. A Drupelet is a small receptacle) and it would then be classified as an Drupe. Accessory Fruit. pit

seed

Wild Plum

Peach

Apple Pericarp – cartilaginous outer wall of ovary

Other common Drupes are , almond, apricot, Other common Pomes would be hawthorn fruit, quince etc. All members of the in the and – from the family Rosaceae family are drupes. PLANT TERMS – Indehiscent Dry Fruits (Single Ovary) – Achenes and Utricles [V. Max Brown]

Achene – An is a small, dry, indehiscent (non- separating) fruit with one seed attached inside by a Utricle – a Utricle is somewhat similar to an achene but single point to the wall of the ovary (Pericarp). It is is a small inflated or bladder-like fruit at maturity with a derived from a superior ovary with one Locule (the thin wall and one seed. The wall fits over the seed chamber or cavity of the ovary). loosely (not tight fitting).

Hop Hornbeam

These Achenes from the Asteraceae are often winged, or have a pappus that helps with dispersal by wind or by adhering to fur and clothing.

Japanese Hops Many plants have achenes including compound fruits like but particularly plants in the Asteraceae family. PLANT TERMS – Indehiscent Dry Fruits (Single Ovary) – Caryopsis and Nut [V. Max Brown]

Nut (and Nutlet) – A Nut is a dry, hard, usually one- Caryopsis – Caryopsis (commonly called a Grain) is a seeded, indehiscent fruit with a hard pericarp or ovary one-seeded, indehiscent fruit that is similar to an achene wall. A Nutlet is a small nut. but the seed coat is fused to the ovary wall (pericarp) and not at only one point as in an achene.

Chestnut Sorgum

Corn

dried Hazelnut

Acorns Most, but not all, fruit in the Poaceae (Grass) In most botanical classifications , family is a Caryopsis (or grain) pecans and hickory nuts are considered seeds from Drupes PLANT TERMS – Indehiscent Dry Fruits (Single Ovary) – Samaras [V. Max Brown]

Samara – A Samara is a dry, indehiscent, usually one- seeded, winged fruit. The wing is actually a part of the – a Schizocarp is a dry, indehiscent fruit that ovary wall. There are both double winged and single spits into 2 carpel segments (Mericarps) when mature. winged fruits. The wing helps a little in fruit dispersal – Although it splits it does not automatically dehisce. Often spirals down, especially in the wind, a little further away present in the Apiaceae (Carrot Family). from the tree than it would otherwise. **Schizocarpic (fruit type) – some use this term as an adjective for any fruit in which a multi-locular ovary splits at maturity such as Schizocropic achene or Schizocropic samara, etc.

Tree-of-Heaven Mericarps Ash

Maples

Elms PLANT TERMS – Dehiscent Dry Fruits (Single Ovary) – Follicle and Legume [V. Max Brown]

Legume – a Legume is a dry, many-seeded, dehiscent Follicle – a Follicle is a dry, many-seeded, dehiscent (opens at maturity to release seeds along two sutures (opens at maturity to release seeds along one suture or lines of weakness), one-carpel fruit (a type of pod). or line of weakness), one-carpel fruit (a type of pod) There is no constriction between the seeds.

Found in the Fabaceae (Legume or Pea Family)

Larkspurs

Typical in Milkweeds PLANT TERMS – Dehiscent Dry Fruits (Single Ovary) – Loment (type of Legume) [V. Max Brown]

Loment – a Loment is like a Legume as it is a dry, many-seeded, dehiscent (opens at maturity to release seeds along two sutures or lines of weakness), one-carpel fruit (a type of pod). However, there is usually a noticeable constriction between the seeds.

Found in the Fabaceae (Legume or Pea Family) PLANT TERMS – Dehiscent Dry Fruits (Single Ovary) – Silicle and Silique [V. Max Brown]

Silicles and – these 2 types of fruits occur only in the (Mustard Family). They are dry, many- seeded, 2-carpel, dehiscent fruits (a type of ). They dehisce longitudinally along 2 sutures or Valves – a piece of tissue (septum) is usually left between the partitions of the carpels after dehiscent.

Silicle – usually less than 2 to 3x longer than wide

Silique – usually greater than 3 to 4x longer than wide PLANT TERMS – Dehiscent Dry Fruits (compound Ovary) – Capsules [V. Max Brown]

Capsule – a Capsule is a dry, dehiscent, fruit formed from 2 to many carpels but the carpels are not separated by a persistent partition (septum) as in the Silicles and Siliques. Not only do many plants have capsules but there are several types of capsules and they are named on how the capsule dehisces (opens) – I have listed only some of the more common types. Big chickweed

Poppy

seed

Pore Capsule with Denticidal dehiscence – disperses seed apically (at apex) leaving a Seedbox If the pores are beneath a lid ring of teeth on capsule which must open to expose the pore it is called Operculate Poricidal Dehiscence

Bouncing bet

Capsule with Poricidal dehiscence – a Bladdernut Capsule with through pore(s).

Capsule with Acrocidal dehiscence – capsule (here Inflated) that will split apart along terminal slits or lines to release the seeds – it would be Basicidal dehiscence if it were through basal slits or lines. PLANT TERMS – Dehiscent Dry Fruits (compound Ovary) – Capsules (continued) [V. Max Brown]

Horse

Wild hyacinth Flower of Grooved an Hour Yam

Capsule with Septicidal dehiscence – a Capsule with seed dispersal through longitudinal slits or sutures Capsule with Loculicidal dehiscence – a Capsule with seed through the septae (between the locules of the ovary) dispersal through longitudinal slits or sutures through or into the cavities of the locules of the ovary.

Lid (lower half not shown) Rough

Seed

Capsule with Circumscissile dehiscence – a Capsule with Capsule with anomalicidal dehiscence – a Capsule with seed seed dispersal about or along a line somewhat circular on the dispersal through an irregular rupture. capsule (top portion would be the Lid). PLANT TERMS – Compound Fruit – Many Flowers – Syconium and Multiple [V. Max Brown]

Syconium – a Syconium is a fruit derived from more than 1 Multiple – a Multiple is a fruit composed of many flowers flower. The mature flowers (and ovaries) are borne on the on a single axis containing many, very tightly clustered, inside of an inverted and hollow receptacle (an internal ovaries. Some call this type a Collective Fruit or a inflorescence). Figs (Genus ) has this type of fruit. Syncarp. Some would consider this fruit either a Multiple or an Accessory.

Red mulberry

Pineapple

Osage orange PLANT TERMS – Compound Fruit – Single Flower – Hips and Aggregates [V. Max Brown]

Aggregate – an Aggregate is a fruit from a single flower with Hip – a Hip is a fruit from a single flower with many many separate pistils that cluster together in maturity as in ovaries. The closed carpels are attached to the wall of an the Raspberry. Some would speak of Aggregates of ovoid hypanthium (resembles a fleshy berry). The fruit follicles, druplets, achenes, etc. All in all this term is a little inside are Achenes. Hips are typically fruits of . vague as some would use the Terms Accessory or Multiple for what others would term Aggregates and still others might Achene use both Aggregate and Accessory, and so forth for the same fruit!

Rose

Raspberry

Multifloral

Blackberry PLANT TERMS – Compound Fruit – Single Flower – Accessory [V. Max Brown]

Accessory – an Accessory (Pseudocarp) fruit is usually fleshy and Another Accessory fruit, though not fleshy at is derived from the receptacle instead of the usual pistil or ovary. maturity, has a large receptacle with pockets with The best example is the strawberry with the ripe Achenes on the fruit -American Lotus. surface. Other authors would include all fruit in which the flesh is derived at least in part from any accessory Tissue (not ovarian Tissue) such as the hypanthium – this would then include the , apple, pear, fig, mulberry, etc. – would include hips, burs, pomes, samaras, and so on – Oh Well, that's how it goes!!!! PLANT TERMS – Shapes, Color, etc. of Seeds (can help ID of some plants) [V. Max Brown]

Japenese Hops False indigo Obedient plant Velvet leaf

cupseed Carolina coral bead Yellow passionflower Mullein foxglove

miterwort

Northern hackberry Rose of Sharon

Wild cucumber