PLANT TERMINOLOGY - nebula.wsimg.com

PLANT TERMINOLOGY

Plant terminology for the identification of plants 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 mean in 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 roots 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.

Shoot System of Plant – stem, leaves and flowers.

This is the photosynthetic part of the plant using CO2

(from the air) and light to produce food which is stored in

the Root System.

The shoot 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 branches) and Internodes

Root System of Plant – supports the plant, stores

food and uptakes water and minerals used in the

shoot System

Plant

PLANT TERMS - Typical Plant - Introduction[V. Max Brown]

The Perfect Flower

Sepal

Petals

Stamens (Male)

Pistils (Female)

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 whorl is composed of

Sepals, followed by a whorl of

Petals, then Stamens and the

innermost whorl is represented by

the Pistils. All are modified leaves,

the Stamens and Pistils are very

highly modified for reproduction.

Although a plant may seem simple, diversity and environmental factors produce an endless and

dazzling variety of shapes and forms! Expect exceptions!!

PLANT TERMS - Typical Perfect Flower [V. Max Brown]

Inflorescence – the flowering portion

of a plant (includes all flowers on the

plant)

Petal (all petals = Corolla),

usually white or colored to attract

insects; absent in some plants

Sepal (all sepals = Calyx), usually

green and similar to leaves but may

be colored; absent in some plants,

but rarely

Pedicel - single flower stalk within the

inflorescence. Peduncle – stalk of a solitary

flower or of whole inflorescence. The Pedicel

is the first Internode (stem between Nodes)

below the flower; A Node is the position on a

stem where a branch and leaves may originate

Perianth – All Petals and Sepals

taken together, the Petals then

make up the inner whorl of the

Perianth

Tepals – term used for

both petals and sepals

when they are

generally alike and

difficult to tell apart

Anthesis – (time

term) During the

time of flowering,

pollination, and/or

reproductive period

PLANT TERMS – Flowers [V. Max Brown]

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 petal 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.

Petaloids and Sepaloids - they

appear to be petals and sepals but

occur by a different origin (for

example a petal or bract may look

like a sepal)

Petaloid –

actually colored

sepals in this

case

Polypetalous – petals separated or free,

Sympetalous – all petals fused or united

at least partially at base,

Apetalous – without petals

Polysepalous – sepals separated or free, Synsepalous – all

sepals fused or united at least partially at base, Asepalous –

without sepals (rare)

Synsepalous

Apetalous - with 3 sepals

(colored inside) and no petals

Polypetalous - (petals

free, not fused)

Polysepalous

Sympetalous (lower petals fused)

Some plants such as the Grass

Family (Poaceae or Gramineae)

lack both sepals and petals

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

4 blue sepals

(no petals)

Clawed – petals or sepals that are dramatically

narrowed at base

Coneflower - with petals

strongly ReflexedReflexed sepals

Hairy Petals

Reflexed petals

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

Reflexed – a floral part that is

strongly bent back or down

Fringed Petals

PLANT TERMS – Flowers – petal shapes and color [V. Max Brown]

Color may be always true to a species or

variations sometimes occur as above in

these 2 speciesLobed – if the lobe is greater than a

little but less then half the length of

the petal

Notched (like a bite) or Toothed – if the notches or teeth

are much less than half the length of the petal

Parted and then

deeply lobed or cleft

in this example

Parted – much

greater than half the

length of the petal

Cleft – greater

than half the length

of the petal

Divided -almost as if

the petals are totally

divided (to base) (5 to

10 above)

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

trees such as Oaks

Bract – a reduced leaf-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.

Phyllary – a Bract within an Involucre but

only in the Asteraceae Family (a very

large family) – often very important in the

ID of plants in this family – more on

phyllaries later

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

above and below

the Inflorescence

Leaf-Like Bracts

PLANT TERMS – Flowers – bracts and phyllaries[V. Max Brown]

Bract – at base of Inflorescence (part of an Involucre

(several bracts subtending the inflorescence)

Involucel – 2nd order Involucre, a smaller set of

bracts at base of a secondary inflorescence

(secondary umbel in this case) – individual 2nd order

bracts could be termed Bractlet(s) or Bracteole(s)

Colored Bracts may be present – in this example there are

no petals (Apetalous) and no sepals (Asepalous) – found in

some genera of the Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family) – in

this case we could use the term petoids.

PLANT TERMS – Flowers – bracts and bracteoles [V. Max Brown]

Ovary

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

Spathe

SpadixSpathe (no Spadix)

Spadix (no

Spathe on

this plant)

Spadix

PLANT TERMS – Flowers – Spathe and Spadix [V. Max Brown]

1. Radiate –

contains both ray

and disc florets

2. Ligulate (strap-

shaped) – contains

only ray florets3. Discoid – contains only disc

florets

The Asteraceae (Aster Family) have composite flowers (many flowers in one) set on a Receptacle (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).

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

PLANT TERMS – Flowers – Asteraceae Family [V. Max Brown]

Receptacle

Disc Florets 2 types of Florets

in Asteraceae

Spreading (pointing

outward), in

overlapping

(imbricated) rows

awl-shaped

linear to

lanceolate,

long pointed

lanceolate

oblanceolate to

ovate, sharp point,

ciliate

glandular

with triangular

black points very long Phyllaries

Filiform – thread-

like

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.

Fleshy

triangular

See section on Leaves for shape definitions

PLANT TERMS – Phyllaries (Involucral Bracts in the Asteraceae)[V. Max Brown]

Spine-tipped and

also with long Spine-

tipped branched

basal bracts

Spine-tipped with

cobwebby hairs

Densely Hairy Star - shaped

Ciliate (hair-like) or Fringed (hair

or bristles) Wavy-edged or

undulating

Spine tipped Awl-like to Filiform

and curved

In some Asteraceae (Aster Family), the shape and form of the Involucral Bracts (Phyllaries)

are very important in ID – a few examples below.

Also In the Asteraceae (Aster Family), the shape and form of

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

Individual flowers may be (A) Zygomorphic (or Irregular) and bilaterally symmetrical or (B)

Actinomorphic (or Regular) and radially symmetrical.

Zygomorphic or Irregular – bilaterally symmetrical,

only one plane in space can divide the flower into

mirror (identical) images (in the above photos the

plane is vertical along the mid-line of the flower)

Actinomorphic or regular – radially symmetrical, any

plane that contains the central axis will divide the

flower in half and produce mirror images

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

Impatiens capensis (spotted Touch-Me-

Not or Jewelweed – it is Resupinate

(twisted or inverted, upside down) at

maturity; 3 sepals (1 colored sepal forms

a covering and bent spur, the other 2

sepals small and ovate); 5 petals (the 2

lateral petals consist of 2 fused petals, the

5th petal is above at maturity)

Sepals

Petals

Aristolochia tomentosa

(Woolly Pipe Vine) - the flower

is composed of an “S” shaped

fused calyx which expands and

flares into 3 irregular lobes at

the apex, also expanded at

base (this plant is Apetalous -

without petals)

Arethusa bulbosa (Dragon's Mouth) –

an orchid with 3 colored sepals fused into

2, 3 petals with 1 petal forming a fringed

and ridged lip, the sepals and petals form

an arch and covering for the lip – many

orchids are also Resupinate (twisted in

development)

PLANT TERMS – Flowers - Shape – General Terms [V. Max Brown]

Tubular – tube-shaped

Campanulate -

bell-like

Infundibular - (funnel-shaped)

Salverform - thin or narrow tube

and flared; Explanate – spread

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)

Campanulate and

somewhat Globose (globe-

like or rounded)

Cruciform - petals

shaped like a cross

Calceolate or Saccate – sac-like

Fenestrate (opening or

transparent area, like a

window, into the flower)

PLANT TERMS – General Flower Shape Terms [V. Max Brown]

Bilabiate - 2-lipped and Personate - 2-

lipped with throat mostly closed

Bilabiate - 2-lipped flower,

each lip is often lobed (fused

petals)

Bilabiate - 2-lipped and

Ringent - wide gaping

like a mouth

Galeate (helmet-like; referring to the hood-like

Galea (helmet-like upper lip of some 2-lipped

corollas)

Throat almost closed

Labiate – with Lips

PLANT TERMS – General Flower Shape Terms [V. Max Brown]

Labium – lower of 2

lips

Elephant Head Lousewort (Figwort Family)

Carinate (with keel) and Papilionaceous (butterfly-like) – flowers in the Fabaceae (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 (2 side petals) – sometimes it can be difficult to make out the Papilionaceous structure.

Banner

Keel

Wings

Inverted (reversed, upside

down) Papilianaceous

Corniculate (Horns with Hoods) and

Reflexed petals) – see Asclepiadaceae

(Milkweed Family) for further discussion

Gibbous (swollen, a

general term), usually on

the ventral or bottom side

and then it is specifically

termed Ventricose

Inflated (a general

term) - calyx in this

case

PLANT TERMS – Flower Shape Terms [V. Max Brown]

Banner

WingKeel

Petal

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

Spurs

Inflorescence with large outside

Sterile or infertile flowers

PLANT TERMS – Terms for Specialized parts of Flowers [V. Max Brown]

Stipe – a stalk that

supports a structure;

in this example the

Stipe connects the

receptacle (below)

with reflexed sepals

(petals have fallen)

to the aggregate of

ovaries above.

Beard – tufts

or stripes of

long hairs

stipe

relexed sepals

ovaries

Basal Glands (sometimes with fringed

covers) on petals, often attended by ants

Sepals yellow, petals are reduced to

Nectaries (organ or tissue producing nectar)

PLANT TERMS – Glands and Nectaries[V. Max Brown]

Ice cream cone shaped gland found on

the petiole of some members of the

Fabaceae (Pea) Family, ants often present

Glands at leaf

base

Glands are present in many families

and on many floral parts – stems,

petioles, leaves, hairs, and other

flower parts

Coronate (with Corona) - a petal-like structure (an added whorl of

floral parts) that sometimes is present between stamens and petals

Petals

PLANT TERMS – Terms for Specialized parts of Flowers [V. Max Brown]

Coronas

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 – Flowers – -part or -merous terminology [V. Max Brown]

PLANT TERMS – Flower Anatomy – Some general orientation terms[V. Max Brown]

Pendant –

hanging down

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

Abaxial) faces away from stem

in this case)

Geniculate – a sharp,

knee-like bend, peduncle

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

Subapical – position term (just below tip), in this case subapical tuffs of

hair just below point of teeth; Apical – at tip or apex of structure

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.

The flower above shows an Alternate arrangement of stamens to

petals and an Opposite arrangement of stamens to sepals and of

course an Alternate arrangement of petals to sepals

Colored

Sepal

Petaloid

In the above flower the larger Petaloids are facing

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.

Petal

Stamen

Petal Sepal


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

The Staminate (male) part of the reproductive system is the

Stamen – a stamen is composed of the Filament (stalk) and the

Anther (bearing the Pollen). The Androecium consists of all the

Stamens of a flower.

Anther

Filament

The stamens usually make

up a whorl inside the

perianth (sepals and petals)

and surround the Gynoecium

(Carpels) (the female

reproductive portion of a

Perfect flower).

The Anthers contain Microsporangia in

locules (cavities or sacs) that produce the

Pollen. Pollen Grains (Haploid) may be

of various shapes and colors (often

yellow), have various surface textures,

and are eventually distributed by wind,

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 may be

Versatile – this lets the

anther swing freely, or it may

not be Versatile (having a

strong attachment) or it can

be attached to one end

(base) of the Filament

(Bassifexed).

Anthers are often 2-lobed and release their

pollen through slits (dehiscence (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).

Others attachments are possible but not common.

Anthers may be of many

shapes, in this case

extremely Linear

Pollinium (pollinia) are pollen

masses (here resembling

saddlebags), typical in the

Asclepiadaceae Family

(Milkweed-type Flower)

Staminode – a sterile

stamen (no pollen), may

be present and modified

to another function. The

flower to the right has 3

regular stamens (lower

left of flower), the

Staminodes in this case

have a red/brown spot in

center (perhaps to attract

insects).

True Stamens


Petanantherous – stamen

with petaloid (resembling a

petal) filament; Petalode –

an organ, usually a stamen,

resembling a petal

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

the stamens are Epipetalous

(attached to Petals)

Polystemonous (Polyandrous) – many

stamens, sometimes masking the other flower

parts

Included – stamens within floral

tube, not projecting out of

corolla (corolla tube is cut-away

to see stamens)

Phaenantherous (Exserted) Stamens –

projecting or protruding out of corolla

Filaments and flowers may be very “Hairy”


Monadelphous – the filaments of the

stamens are fused (coalescent)

forming a ring of tissue surrounding

the Gynoecium (female structure) –

hence mona- for 1.

Didelphous – the stamens are fused

(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 set of stamens, the upper ones reduced

and are without anthers, the lower stamens

are Bassifexed - filaments attached at base

of anthers

Stamens

reduced, no

anthers

True Stamen

Stigma

(female part)

projecting out

from fused

stamens


Anthers coalescent

The Gynoecium is the female reproductive part of the flower and includes all the

Carpels. A Carpel is a single highly modified leaf and consists of a simple Pistil which

has an Ovary (at the base containing Ovules, producing seeds), 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

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

Stigma

Style

Ovary

Locule – the chamber in the

Ovary that contains the

Ovules (immature seed)

Locule (cavity or sac)

– in a single carpel

Ovules or Seeds

Funiculus – the stalk of the seed

Pistil

The Stigma receives the Pollen and a pollen tube 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

Style is fused below but

branched above

Style here is fused at base,

then branched into 3 and then

branched again to the Stigmas

Bilobed capitate

(head-like) stigma


Part of flower cut

away to see structure

Syncarpous – Fused or Connate or

Compound Carpels, ovaries sometimes

lobed (but not always) indicating fusion.

Semicarpous – Carpels partially fused

with separate stigmas and styles.

Apocarpous – multiple separate carpels, ovaries free (not

fused). Polygynous – many styles or pistils

Monocarpous – a single Carpel (a

simple Pistil); If there are no Carpels

then it is Acarpous

Ring of Carpels on a

Receptacle

If Syncarpous or Semicarpous it can be difficult

to determine the number of ovaries due to fusion –

ovaries, styles and stigmas may or may not be

fused, one can count the styles if separate to

determine the number of ovaries.


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.

Superior (Hypogynous)

Ovary

Style

Stigma(s)

Floral

Attachment

Superior (Perigynous)

Hypanthium

(Floral Cup),

partially cut

away to see the

Ovary

Ovary

Style

Stigma(s)

Looking down into the

floral cup

PLANT TERMS – OVARY POSITION[V. Max Brown]

Inferior (Epigynous)

Ovary

Floral

Attachment

Half-Inferior (Intermediate) – some use the term Inferior

for true Inferior and any Intermediate attachment.

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

Cup) attached to the

ovary very close to the

top

PLANT TERMS – Chaffy Bracts and Pappus in the Asteraceae[V. Max Brown]

(A) Ray and (B) Disc

Florets of a composite

flower in the Asteraceae

Family

A

B

Ovary

Chaffy Bract (in place

at base of ovary,

removed to see better

below

Pappus – modified calyx (sepals) on

Ray and Disc Florets – may be of

scales, bristles, (Barbellate) bristles

with barbs, (Plumose) like feathers,

branched, etc.

Pappus of

scales

Pappus of

bristles

Note that the

ovary position

is Epigynous

or Inferior

3 Monoecious Examples

upper Staminate Spike

Lower Pistillate flowers

in leaf axils

Common [Annual] Ragweed

(Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.)

PLANT TERMS – Monoecious and Dioecious plants[V. Max Brown]

upper Pistillate Spike

Lower staminate

flowers in leaf axils

Pineland Threeseed Mercury

(Acalypha ostryifolia Riddell)

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.

Gynaecandrous –

Monoecious, with pistillate

above and staminate below

on the Inflorescence

Androgynous – Monoecious,

with staminate above and

pistillate below on the

Inflorescence

Androgynous – Monoecious,

with staminate above and

pistillate below on the

Inflorescence

Lower Pistillate flowers

upper Staminate Spike

A sedge in flower

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

Pistillate Flowers

Pussytoes (Antennaria sps.)

It gets even more interesting. Gyno-Dioecious – some

plants have Perfect flowers and others are Pistillate only,

Andro-Dioecious – Perfect on some plants, Staminate only

on others. Of course there is Andro-Polygamous (Andro-

Monoecious) – Perfect and Staminate flowers on same plant

Staminate Flowers

Pistillate Flowers (at early and mature fruit stage)

Box Elder (separate trees) – Acer negundo

Saprophyte (saprophytic) – lacks chlorophyll, 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 Lichens). A few

examples are below.

Spanish Moss

Tillandsia

usneoides (L.) L.

Southern Needleleaf

Tillandsia setacea Sw.

Indian Pipe [Corpse Plant]

Monotropa uniflora L.

Beechdrops

Epifagus virginiana

(L.) W. Bartram

One-Flowered

Broomrape

[Cancer-Root]

Orobanche uniflora L.

Epifagus

PLANT TERMS – Plants with other ways of making a living[V. Max Brown]

Saprophyte Parasites Epiphytes

[Purple] Northern

Pitcherplant

Sarracenia purpurea L.

ssp. purpurea

Carnivorous

Symbiotic

Lichen – a composite

organism composed of a

fungus and either a green

algae or a cynobacterium

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

Inflorescences. 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 bud continues to grow (elongate) and may form buds 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))

-Raceme

-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,

there is one present – think of it as a very small

branch found above a leaf at a node in which the

branch ends with a Solitary flower. A leaf or bract

will usually subtend the flower.

Solitary or Terminal Flower – on a Pedicel or

scape, either terminal in position or a terminal

flower on a main branch from a node (axillary

position)

Caulescent (Stemmed) – a flower on a

stem with leaves – in this case a Solitary

flower on a Pedicel

Acaulescent (Stemless) – a flower on a stem

without leaves (such a stem is termed a Scape) – in

this case a Solitary flower – such plants usually have

basal leaves

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)

PLANT TERMS – Inflorescence Types – Solitary or Terminal Flower[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).

PLANT TERMS – Inflorescence Types – Head or Capitate Type[V. Max Brown]

ReceptacleDisc Florets

Ray floret Phyllaries

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

The Receptacle Is sometimes termed the Torus or the Thalamus.

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 Apiaceae (Carrot or Parsley Family)

Compound Umbels

Simple Umbels – pedicels from a common

point, ray length may or may not be similar

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

Secondary Umbels

(Umbellets)

Primary ray of compound

Umbel

Umbellets

Primary Umbel

Involucel

Peduncle

Pedicel

length same

Pedicel

length

different

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

VERTICILLATE INFLORESCENCE – whorled

arrangement of flowers, often at leaf axils (a type of

Spike) – particularly common in the Lamiaceae (Mint

Family)

Verticil – a whorled set of flowers or leaves

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

Scorpioid Spike – coiled like a scorpion tail,

flowers sessile and Secund (on one side)

Spadix

PLANT TERMS – Inflorescence Types – Spikes (Spadix and, Catkin)[V. Max Brown]

Catkin – a Spike or perhaps Raceme

(inflorescence) of unisexual flowers

found in a few families

Spadix - a thickened spike of usually densely

crowded and small flowers (often protected by a

Spathe) - found in a few families

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 - Racemes [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 – 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 - Spikes [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.

PLANT TERMS – Inflorescence Types – Panicle and Thyrse[V. Max Brown]

Panicles Panicles are fairly

common in grasses

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 [V. Max Brown]

Helicoid Cyme - coiled like a helix, with decreasing

peduncle length toward apex

PLANT TERMS – Inflorescence Types – Cymes (Helicoid and Glomerule) [V. Max Brown]

Glomerule – a dense Cyme (usually a head-like

dense cluster)

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).

Petiole – leaf stalk; leaf is Sessile if attached

directly to stem without a petiole. A leaf occurs at

a Node.Leaf Blade

Midrib

Leaf Base – often

thickened at

attachment to stem

A Simple Leaf

PLANT TERMS - Leaves[V. Max Brown]

Major Veinapex

Node (place on stem

where leaves and/or

branches originate)

Internode (stem between nodes)

LEAVES[V. Max Brown]

Parallel Veined – vein pattern

common in Monocotyledons

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 Dicotyledons

PLANT TERMS - Leaves – Veins [V. Max Brown]

Major veins Palmate (originating

from a common point), minor veins

pinnate

Smaller veins are

often Net Veined

(Reticulated) – this

branching scheme is

common in

Dicotyledons

Major veins Pinnate

Midrib

Smaller veins also parallel

PLANT TERMS – Leaves – Vein Morphology[V. Max Brown]

Veins curve strongly

toward tip but do not

converge at tip

Veins curve very

strongly at

margins toward tip

Veins curve toward

tip and end at

margin

Veins curve very

strongly and each

major vein

converges at tip

Submarginal Vein – a Vein that is somewhat parallel to the leaf margin

Sometimes vein morphology is important in identification of a plant – some examples of vein

morphology are given below.

3 major veins from base

Each vein or branched vein ends at

tooth apex above, sometimes (other

plants) veins end at both apex and

between teeth. Sometimes veins

branch and in other plants do not

PLANT TERMS – Leaves – Vein Morphology[V. Max Brown]

5 major veins from base

In some species veins may ‘stand

out’ in relief either on the upper or

lower surface

Unusually raised network type

veining on the undersurface of this

leaf

Stipulary bristles

Stipules – leaf-like appendages at base of petiole, often

reduced to a scale, spine or often not present

PLANT TERMS – Leaves – Stipules[V. Max Brown]

Stipules – on winter twigs of 2 Oak

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

Peltate – petiole

attached to center of leaf

Sessile – leaf

attached directly to

stem with no petiole

PLANT TERMS – Leaf Attachments to Stem[V. Max Brown]

Petiole – stalk which connects Leaf

to stem; Petiolate – with Petiole Winged Petioles

Leaves Strongly

Clasping stem

Perfoliate – single leaf completely surrounds stem

Connate-Perfoliate –

stem surrounded by

fused opposite leaves,

sometimes forming a

cup

PLANT TERMS – Leaf Attachments to Stem[V. Max Brown]

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 Rosette 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

very shortBasal leaves

Cauline (stem) leaves

Rosettes of leaves – grass rosette on right

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.

Alternate

Opposite

Whorled (or Verticillate)


Distichous – leaves in 2 vertical

rows or ranks on the opposite side

of the stem

Dextrose – leaves alternate and spirally arranged down the

stem to the right;

Sinistrorse – leaves alternate and spirally arranged down

the stem to the left

Ranked – in vertical rows

as viewed down the stem

Decussate – opposite with next set on

stem at 90 degrees

Sinistrorse


6 – Ranked - viewed

down the stem

Decurrent Leaf – leaf base extends down the stem (leaf

base here is winged)


Oblong (sides

mostly parallel with

blunt rounded ends)

Lanceolate (leaf lance-shaped, longer than wide, with widest point below

middle, leaf base is cuneate – tapering or wedge-shaped)

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.

Lanceolate (leaf lance-shaped, longer

than wide, with widest point below

middle, leaf base truncate – at right

angles)

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 shrubs and trees

Falcate (curved or sickle-shaped)

Ovate to lanceolate

Reniform (kidney shaped). The base is Cordate

(heart-shaped)

Deltoid (more or less shaped like an equilateral triangle). The

base is Truncate (squared off, right angled to stem).


Cordate leaf, Cordate

base with rounded sinusCordate (heart-shaped leaf

and base is also Cordate)

Trullate (like a

trowel), almost

Rhombic (diamond

shaped)

Orbicular ( fairly

circular in outline) Orbicular to widely Ovate

(somewhat circular but attached

end is a little wider than apical

end)


Elliptical (ellipse–like,

widest point near

middle; base is

Rounded)

Rotund - Elliptical

(Rotund – somewhat

rounded in outline)

Generally Elliptical to Ovate –

generally rotund or egg-shaped but

with wider end at attachment

Ovate to Widely Lanceolate

Ovate with basal lobes

Obovate (reverse Ovate with wider end

toward tip and attached by narrow end, with

Acuminate tip – pointed with concave sides)

Obelliptic (almost elliptical) to

somewhat obovate (reverse

Ovate); the tip would be Obtuse

– rounded)


Ovate to Widely Lanceolate

with Basal Lobes

Ovate and tri-lobed toward

base

generally Ovate and

coarsely toothed

Obovate shape; Emarginate (notched

at tip), close to being Retuse (more

shallowly notched and less rounded

apex) but not deep enough to be

Obcordate (reverse Cordate at tip) –

are we having fun yet?


Obovate petal shape

here with Obcordate

(reverse heart-shaped)

tip

Leaf shape is ovate to

lanceolate; leaf base is

termed Oblique or

Inequilateral or

Assymetrical (unequal

sides)

Leaf shape is obovate

to elliptical; leaf base

is termed symmetrical

or Aequilateral (equal

sides)

Oblique (slanted) leaf base,

would be Cuneate (wedge-

like) if it was narrower

Cuneate (wedge shaped

leaf base, usually coming

to a point)

Acute tip (<90 deg

angle and straight)

Obtuse tip (>90 deg

angle and straight)

Leaf shape is

Cordate; leaf tip

is Acuminate –

to a sharp point

with concave

sides along the

tipEntire (smooth

margin without

teeth)

Lyrate (shaped like a lyre, lobes

toward base usually smaller than

lobes toward apex or tip)

Gladiate (sword-like);

Ensiform is also sword-

like but somewhat

narrower)

Spatulate (spoon-like)

Apiculate tip –

small and

slender


Lanceolate with very

long Acuminate tip

Generally Ovate and

Mucronate – with short,

sharp tip (here on teeth

or lobes) or

Aristate – ending

with an Arista (an

awn or bristle-like

structure)

Awl-like (sharp, somewhat

triangular in cross-section)

Filiform – thread-like

Acerose (Needle-like as

in Pine needles)


Linear to linear-lanceolate (shapes

will often fall in between and its OK to

describe them this way)

Linear (line-like or long and narrow with

parallel sides)

Scale-like (as in cedars)

Generally

Lanceolate and

Auriculate (with

Auricles) –

usually basal,

rounded ear-like

(Eared) lobes –

not big enough to

be Sagittate or

Hastate


Sagittate – arrowhead-shaped, lobes

swept back, normally sharp, often turned

down

Hastate – like Sagittate,

but lobes turned out

Hastate – like Sagittate, but

lobes turned out, rounded sinus

Hastate with square or

rectangular Sinus

Halberd – like Hastate but

with lobes at right angle

PLANT TERMS – Highly Specialized Leaves[V. Max Brown]

Pitcher (modified

leaf to catch insects)

Modified leaf for floatation Bladders (black) attached to Filiform

leaves in an aquatic Bladderwort

Succulent (thick and fleshy, often

linear - helps to retain water) Ovate but Leaves thick and

leathery, somewhat succulent

Thallus – a plant body that is not discernible

as a root, stem or leaf, example above is

Duckweed

PLANT TERMS – Leaf Margin Terms – Teeth and Others[V. Max Brown]

Crenate – larger rounded

teeth; Crenulate – finer

crenate teeth

Serrate – larger sharp teeth, teeth point

generally forward; Serrulate – finer serrate

teeth

Dentate – larger sharp teeth, teeth point

generally outward; Denticulate – finer

dentate teeth

Retrorse Teeth- sharp teeth

pointed backward (example

not shown) – Retorse a

general term (directed

downward or backward)

Entire – no teeth


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

Double Toothed or Biserrate in this case

Lacerate - Irregularly toothed, cut or

lobed (like torn)

Erose – irregularly toothed

Crennate to Dentate (can be both or difficult to determine)

Crisped – wavy leaf

margins (vertical or

up and down,

ruffled).

Sinuate – wavy

margin horizontally

or in and out.

Undulate (or

Repand) – general

term - can be used

for either or both

above, generally

wavy.


Undulate – irregularly wavy

Revolute – edges rolled

down under bottom edge of

leaf, lower leaf surfaces

shown above

Involute (edges in-rolled) -

rolled up on top surface of leaf

Shiny or glossy surface

Punctate (general term) - (covered

with sunken pits or depressions, may

be glandular)

Resin dotted (scattered yellow resin dots)

Tuffs of Hairs (sometimes in vein

axils particularly on under surface

of some tree leaves)

Rugose (rough surface, or

sometimes meaning with sunken

veins)

Scabrous – rough surface due

to short stiff hairs (above photo)

or rough epidermis

PLANT TERMS – Leaves – Surface Textures[V. Max Brown]

In addition there are many

different types of hairs that

can be present – these will

be discussed later

Punctate Tepal

Lobed Leaf – rounded

leaf segments, cut < ½

to midrib

Parted (Very Deeply Lobed) – > ½ to

midrib, Sinuses are here rounded, lobes

are coarsely toothed.

Sinuate margin – wavy

Cleft – lobed to about ½ distance to midrib

– in this case Pinnately lobed (pointed

toward midrib) and Pinnately veined (from

midrib). Divided (deeply Parted) – cut almost to

midrib, here there is still some leaf

along the midrib (Pinnatifid)

PLANT TERMS – Margin Terms – Lobes and Divisions[V. Max Brown]

All leaves below are simple with major veins pinnate

Runcinate – pinnatifid cut with

segments pointing back

Incised (jagged) – deep and

sharply cut, often irregular

Divided – lobes or cuts nearly all

the way to the midrib (Pinnatifid –

if pointed toward midrib or

Palmatifid – if pointed toward

base).

Pinnatifid Divided – winged

midrib (rachis – midrib within leaf)


Pinnatifid Leaf - pinnately cut but not all

the way to midrib (winged between

leaflets), then toothed

Winged Midrib

Trifid – 3-cleft


Tripartite (3) Lobed -

in this case Palmate lobed

(pointed toward base) and

major veins palmately

Veined

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

Palmate Linear-leaved Palmate Fan-leaved

Palmate veined and Palmate lobed

Palmate veined and divided –

tripartite (secondary veins

pinnate

Palmate veined and divided

with many segments, most

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)

Odd-Pinnate – pinnate with a

single terminal leaflet (also

termed Imparipinnate)

Even-Pinnate – pinnate with

paired terminal leaflets (also

termed Paripinnate and also

Abruptly Pinnate)

Tendril-Pinnate –

pinnate with terminal

tendril

1-Pinnate and then leaflets toothed; midrib of pinnate

leaf is the Rachis (primary axis of leaf). The secondary

midrib of a leaflet and subsequent smaller midribs (if any)

are termed Rachilla.

Very large 2- or twice- or Bipinnate leaves – each leaflet of

primary or first leaf is also pinnate (leaflets attached to a

Rachilla).


The primary leaflets may be termed Pinnae (a Pinna);

secondary leaflets then are termed Pinnules (the smallest order

of leaflet present whatever it is).

1 pinnate (Yellow)

2 pinnatifid (Black)

1 pinnatifid (Red)

2 pinnate (Blue)

Leaf is 2- or Bipinnate 2- or Bipinnatifid - overall leaf

shape is Ovate (yellow, somewhat wider nearer base in

outline)


Naming compound pinnate leaves – an Example

To go crazy we can have

leaves which are Pinnate,

Bipinnate, Tripinnate,

Quadripinnate, etc. or

pinnatifid in various

degrees or orders

LEAF TERMS – Compound Palmate Leaf with Pinnate and/or Palmate Veins

in Leaflets – almost endless variety (Digitate – same as Palmate)[V. Max Brown]

Pinnate Trifoliate (note the rachis

present on terminal leaflet only)

Palmate Trifoliate (note no

rachis is present)

All these leaves are compound palmate

A sheath is partially formed around

a petiole in this example

Leaf blade of

grass forming a

Sheath around

stem

Sheath – where one structure partially or totally surrounds

another structure – often involving the stem in some way.

Swollen joints with Ocrea (fringing Sheath often

with hairs or bristles) – see Polygonaceae

(Smartweed Family)

PLANT TERMS – Stems - Sheaths[V. Max Brown]

Leaf blade of a

sedge forming a

Sheath around

stem

PLANT TERMS – Stems – Shape, Pubescence, etc. [V. Max Brown]

Terete – stem round in cross-section; Glabrous – smooth

and without hairs; Glaucous – a white waxy bloom that

rubs off fairly easily

Glabrous Glabrous and Glaucous

Stems are often Angled, sometimes 4-angled or

Square (common in the Mint family), and often

Ridged; may be grooved or channeled


Winged Stems

Wings

Woody Winged Stems

Succulent (Fleshy and

photosynthetic) stem, leaves reduced

to spines

Alate – general term for winged

Ridged stem

with hairs on

ridges

Winged (with Spines),

and Ridged stem

Prickly Stem – sharp or prickly

outgrowth from epidermis (skin

cells) of stem

Leaves and stem

‘jointed’ from

overlapping

ocreolae (fringing

Sheath often with

hairs or bristles)

Types of spines, prickles, etc. will be

defined later


Downward (or

upward) hooked

or angled hairs on

stem angles, flats,

grooves, etc.

STEMS – MORE FEATURES OF STEMS[V. Max Brown]

Willow

Goldenrod

Hollow twig filled with pith, 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

Gall – parasitic infestation by

bacteria, fungi, or often by insects

Tendril – a twining structure used by

vines for support

Tendrils ending with adhesive disks

Lenticels – elongated,

corky, raised areas on

many woody stems,

breathing pores

Scaley (Scrufy – small scales) –

covered with tiny scales

Farinose or Mealy –

dry, powdered, like

meal on surface

Glandular and often

Glutinous or Viscid (sticky)

hairs

Glands at leaf base

Petiole Gland

PLANT TERMS – Glands, Scales and Other Features[V. Max Brown]

Sticky Lactose sap

in some stems and

leaves (colored sap

does occur)

Stellate – star-like hairs Branched hairs

Curly hairs

PLANT TERMS – Hairs or Pubescence[V. Max Brown]

Inflated hairs

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.

Pilose – long, dense, mostly straight, soft and unmatted,

spreading (not appressed) hairs


Sericeous – similar to Pilose but hairs Appressed (pressed

flat) – direction (Ascending or Descending, etc.) of flattened

hairs may be important to ID

Woolly – similar to Sericeous but hairs interwoven or

entangled (surface of leaf, etc. can still be seen)

Woolly

Almost Villous

Cob-Webby – 3-dimensional tangle

of Wooly, usually white hairsVillous – so Woolly that the surface of structure

cannot be seen

Hispid – longer hairs, stiff

(bristly), that could possibly

break the skin

Hoary – light colored (white or

gray), short, abundant fine hairs

Tomentose – short, dense,

matted, soft, woolly hair;

Velutinous if not matted


Hirsute – longer, coarse and stiff

hairs but would probably not break

the skin

Puberulent or Puberulous – finely

or minutely hairy, hairs mostly

straight;

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

Papillose-Hispid – hairs very stiff

from Pustules;

Pustulose – a blister-like structure

or pustule at base of hair

Ciliate or Fringed or

Fimbriate – hairs,

bristles etc. on margin

or fringe of structure


Stinging Hairs – here on fruit but

may occur on other plant parts

Subapical – position term (just below tip), in this case

subapical tuffs of hair just below teeth

Silky (silk-like); hairs

appressed in this

sample

Thorn – a sharp woody branch, may be simple or branched,

most common on some shrubs and a few treesSpine – develops from stipule or leaf, spines usually

form just below a bud or branch or on leaf edge

PLANT TERMS – Thorns, Spines, and Prickles[V. Max Brown]

Pith within Thorn

Prickle – develops from epidermal

(skin) cells of the stem, usually fairly

easy to remove by pushing sideways

Retrorse Prickles –

reflexed (downward)

Setose – many bristles

(here on fruit)

PLANT TERMS – Thorns, Spines, and Prickles[V. Max Brown]

Bristle - sharp and stiff hair-like structure,

here at apex of lobes on leaves

Both Spines

and Prickles

present

PLANT TERMS – Other Stem Features – Stolons [V. Max Brown]

Beware of what is

considered a root

structure and what

is a stem structure!

Stolon (Runner - a slender Stolon) – horizontal stem growing along the surface of the

ground (Cinquefoil, strawberry, some brambles, etc.).

Roots at node of Stolon

PLANT TERMS – Other Stem Features – Rhizomes [V. Max Brown]

Beware of what is

considered a root

structure and what

is a stem structure!Rhizome (Rootstalk) – horizontal stem (slender to thick and resembling roots) growing

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

Large, non-scaly Rhizomes

Large, short Rhizomes

Rhizome with red juice

PLANT TERMS – Other Stem Features – Bulbs, Corms, Bulbels[V. Max Brown]

Corms and Bulbs – an enlargement of an underground stem; a Bulb is covered with scale-like

leaves (like an onion). Bulbel (Bulblet) – small bulbs (both below and above ground).

Corms – a squat or short underground

stem with a papery covering

Bulbels – small bulbs growing

at base of larger underground

bulb

Bulb – a large

Bud from an

underground

stem with fleshy

scales. Fibrous

roots usually

develop at

bottom of Bulb.

Bulbels – in upper leaf axils

(above ground); Bulblet –

small Bubels

Bulblets – in sac, wild garlic.

PLANT TERMS – Roots [V. Max Brown]

Fibrous Roots – small and very

numerous secondary roots that are

all about the same size (common in

grasses (monocots) where taproots

are mostly absent or degenerate

but rhizomes may be present)

The large root above is the Primary Root and is called a Taproot (a Taproot

System is common in Dicots); the smaller, more numerous roots are termed

Secondary Roots. A small root is a Rootlet.

Large taproots may form

storage for a plant (beets,

sweet potatoes, carrots,

turnips, etc.)

Root – an extension of the stem axis below ground and has no nodes and no

leaves; develops from the Radicle (part of embryo 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)

Pneumatophores – fine,

spongy aerating roots

Buttress Root – supporting root

type for trees in swamp habitats

Knee (Aerating) Root – aerating

root type for trees in swamp habitats

PLANT TERMS – Structural and Aerating Roots [V. Max Brown]

Prop Roots – for support, in this case they are

Adventitious Roots from from lower stem buds

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 herbaceous plant to the right was

already in flower (terminal bud had already

opened but not the lateral buds shown)

Internode

Lateral or Axillary Bud(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 – Fruits - 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 Vegetable (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 beans, cucumbers, squash, etc. (containing ovaries

and seeds) are, botanically speaking, Fruits. It gets much worse – a banana is a berry!

PLANT TERMS – Fruits Types [V. Max Brown]

A -Fleshy Fruits (of a single ovary)-True Berries

-Pepos

-Pomes

-Drupes and Drupelets

B -Dry Fruits (of a single ovary)

-one-seeded Dry -Indehiscent (not opening along certain or established lines of weakness or pores)Achenes

Utricles

Caryopsis or Grain

Nut and Nutlet

Samara

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

-Follicle

-Legume

-Loment

2 to many carpels (capsules)

-Silicle and Silique (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

** I will be skipping many technical terms

that professionals use in describing

fruits and giving only a simplified view!

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

leathery or fleshy (not a tough rind) outer wall (Pericarp) that is

usually edible and juicy. The interior is often pulpy and may have

1 to many seeds (lacks a core or pit).

tomato

Sand Grape

Cactus

Spiny Gooseberry

blueberry

Other common examples include

avocado, banana (yes), elderberry,

may apple and pawpaw – many

others

Pepos – A Pepo is a indehiscent (non-separating)

berry with multiple seeds. It has a tough leathery rind

though fleshy inside at maturity. It is often derived

from an Inferior Ovary (Cucurbitaceae family

especially).

Common

Cucumber

Wild

cucumberCreeping cucumber

Other common Pepos include

the cantaloupe, pumpkin,

various melons, and squash.

PLANT TERMS – Fleshy Fruits (Single Ovary) – Pomes and Drupes [V. Max Brown]

Pome – a Pome is a fleshy indehiscent (non-separating)

fruit (berry-like) from an inferior ovary. The fleshy part

(edible) is from the Hypanthium. The core is the Ovary

and its outer wall is harder (cartilaginous) than the

outside fleshy part. **some would interpret the outside

part of the fruit as Accessory tissue (derived from the

receptacle) and it would then be classified as an

Accessory Fruit.

Other common Pomes would be hawthorn fruit, quince

and pear – from the Rosaceae family

Apple Pericarp – cartilaginous

outer wall of ovary

Drupe (and Drupelet) – A Drupe is fleshy (at maturity)

indehiscent (non-separating) fruit (berry-like) with a stony or

hard inner layer (Endocarp) containing usually but not

always one seed. The Exocarp and Mesocarp is fleshy. The

pit or stone in this fruit is the endocarp of the Ovary wall and

not from the outer wall of the seed. A Drupelet is a small

Drupe.

Other common Drupes are olive, almond, apricot,

etc. All members of the genus Prunus in the

Rosaceae family are drupes.

Cherry

Wild Plum

Peach

seed

pit

PLANT TERMS – Indehiscent Dry Fruits (Single Ovary) – Achenes and Utricles [V. Max Brown]

Achene – An Achene is a small, dry, indehiscent (non-

separating) fruit with one seed attached inside by a

single point to the wall of the ovary (Pericarp). It is

derived from a superior ovary with one Locule (the

chamber or cavity of the ovary).

Many plants have achenes including compound fruits like

strawberries but particularly plants in the Asteraceae family.

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.

Utricle – a Utricle is somewhat similar to an achene but

is a small inflated or bladder-like fruit at maturity with a

thin wall and one seed. The wall fits over the seed

loosely (not tight fitting).

Hop Hornbeam

Japanese Hops

PLANT TERMS – Indehiscent Dry Fruits (Single Ovary) – Caryopsis and Nut [V. Max Brown]

Caryopsis – Caryopsis (commonly called a Grain) is a

one-seeded, indehiscent fruit that is similar to an achene

but the seed coat is fused to the ovary wall (pericarp) and

not at only one point as in an achene.

Sorgum

Corn

Wheat

Most, but not all, fruit in the Poaceae (Grass)

family is a Caryopsis (or grain)

Hazelnut

Chestnut

Acorns

Nut (and Nutlet) – A Nut is a dry, hard, usually one-

seeded, indehiscent fruit with a hard pericarp or ovary

wall. A Nutlet is a small nut.

dried

In most botanical classifications walnuts,

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

ovary wall. There are both double winged and single

winged fruits. The wing helps a little in fruit dispersal –

spirals down, especially in the wind, a little further away

from the tree than it would otherwise.

Maples

Ash

Elms

Tree-of-Heaven

Schizocarp – a Schizocarp is a dry, indehiscent fruit that

spits into 2 carpel segments (Mericarps) when mature.

Although it splits it does not automatically dehisce. Often

present in the Apiaceae (Carrot Family).

**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.

Mericarps

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

Follicle – a Follicle is a dry, many-seeded, dehiscent

(opens at maturity to release seeds along one suture

or line of weakness), one-carpel fruit (a type of pod)

Typical in Milkweeds

Larkspurs

Legume – a Legume 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).

There is no constriction between the seeds.

Found in the

Fabaceae (Legume

or Pea Family)

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.

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

Found in the Fabaceae (Legume or Pea Family)

PLANT TERMS – Dehiscent Dry Fruits (Single Ovary) – Silicle and Silique [V. Max Brown]

Silicles and Siliques – these 2 types of fruits occur only in the Brassicaceae (Mustard Family). They are dry, many-

seeded, 2-carpel, dehiscent fruits (a type of capsule). They dehisce longitudinally along 2 sutures or Valves – a piece of

tissue (septum) is usually left between the partitions of the carpels after dehiscent.

Silique – usually greater than 3 to 4x longer than wide

Silicle – usually less than 2 to 3x 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.

Capsule with Poricidal dehiscence – a

Capsule with seed dispersal through pore(s).

Pore

seed

If the pores are beneath a lid

which must open to expose the

pore it is called Operculate

Poricidal Dehiscence

Poppy

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.

Bladdernut

Big chickweed

Capsule with Denticidal

dehiscence – disperses seed

apically (at apex) leaving a

ring of teeth on capsuleSeedbox

Bouncing bet

PLANT TERMS – Dehiscent Dry Fruits (compound Ovary) – Capsules (continued)[V. Max Brown]

Wild hyacinth

Horse chestnut

Capsule with Loculicidal dehiscence – a Capsule with seed

dispersal through longitudinal slits or sutures through or into

the cavities of the locules of the ovary.

Capsule with anomalicidal dehiscence – a Capsule with seed

dispersal through an irregular rupture.

Capsule with Septicidal dehiscence – a Capsule with

seed dispersal through longitudinal slits or sutures

through the septae (between the locules of the ovary)

Flower of

an HourGrooved flax

Yam

Capsule with Circumscissile dehiscence – a Capsule with

seed dispersal about or along a line somewhat circular on the

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

flower. The mature flowers (and ovaries) are borne on the

inside of an inverted and hollow receptacle (an internal

inflorescence). Figs (Genus Ficus) has this type of fruit.

Some would consider this fruit either a Multiple or an

Accessory.

Multiple – a Multiple is a fruit composed of many flowers

on a single axis containing many, very tightly clustered,

ovaries. Some call this type a Collective Fruit or a

Syncarp.

Osage orange

Red mulberry

Pineapple

Multifloral Rose

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

Hip – a Hip is a fruit from a single flower with many

ovaries. The closed carpels are attached to the wall of an

ovoid hypanthium (resembles a fleshy berry). The fruit

inside are Achenes. Hips are typically fruits of Roses.

Rose

Achene

Aggregate – an Aggregate is a fruit from a single flower with

many separate pistils that cluster together in maturity as in

the Raspberry. Some would speak of Aggregates of

follicles, druplets, achenes, etc. All in all this term is a little

vague as some would use the Terms Accessory or Multiple

for what others would term Aggregates and still others might

use both Aggregate and Accessory, and so forth for the

same fruit!

Blackberry

Raspberry

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

Accessory – an Accessory (Pseudocarp) fruit is usually fleshy and

is derived from the receptacle instead of the usual pistil or ovary.

The best example is the strawberry with the ripe Achenes on the

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

pineapple, apple, pear, fig, mulberry, etc. – would include hips, burs,

pomes, samaras, and so on – Oh Well, that's how it goes!!!!

Another Accessory fruit, though not fleshy at

maturity, has a large receptacle with pockets with

fruit -American Lotus.

PLANT TERMS – Shapes, Color, etc. of Seeds (can help ID of some plants) [V. Max Brown]

Japenese Hops persimmon False indigo Obedient plant Velvet leaf

cupseedCarolina coral bead

Yellow passionflower

miterwort

Mullein foxglove

Northern hackberryRose of Sharon

Wild cucumber

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