Botanical Nerd Word: Jugate
Jugate: Having parts in pairs.* For example, these pairs of leaflets. *Pell, S.K., Angell, B. (2016). A botanist’s vocabulary: 1300 terms explained and illustrated. Portland:…
Author Archives: Weston Family Library
Botanical Nerd Word: Hip
Hip: A berry-like structure composed of an enlarged hypanthium surrounding numerous achenes, as in roses.* Rose hips add a nice hint of fall colour and…
Botanical Nerd Word: Purpurascent
Purpurascent: Inclining to or tinged with purple; somewhat purple; turning purple.* For example, this monkshood, Aconitum ‘Cloudy’ has flowers tinged with purple. *Oxford English Dictionary.
Botanical Nerd Word: Aphyllous
Aphyllous: Without leaves.* This Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) does not produce leaves. It photosynthesises with its bare stems. *Harris, J.G., Harris, M.W. (2001). Plant identification…
Art Exhibits
Rotating exhibitions are displayed in the Weston Family Library. Open to the public during library hours. Artworks by Beach Guild of Fine Art (BFGA) October 18, 2019…
Botanical Nerd Word: Decussate
Decussate: Arranged along the stem in pairs, with each pair at right angles to the pair above or below.* This Plectranthus shows a decussate leaf…
Botanical Nerd Word: Phytotelma
Phytotelma (plural: phytotelmata): A small, water-filled cavity in a tree or any similar environment, such as the axil of a bromeliad.* In nature, phytotelmata form important niche habitats for other…
Botanical Nerd Word: Autochore
Autochore: A plant that is the major agent in the distribution of its own seeds or spores (as by special ejecting organs).* Jewelweeds (Impatiens pallida…
Botanical Nerd Word: Entomophily
Entomophily: The transfer of pollen by insects.* These salvias are a favourite of pollinating bees. Pollock, M., Griffiths, M. (2005). Illustrated dictionary of gardening. London:…
Botanical Nerd Word: Pyxis
Pyxis: A circumscissile capsule, the top coming off as a lid.* Above is an image of a ripe Portulaca pyxis. Circumscissile means that the capsule…