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Spine: Sharp, pointed modified leaf, leaflet, bract, sepal, or stipule.* These Berberis (barberry) spines are actually modified leaves. Botanically, they’re different from thorns or prickles which are derived from other plant …

Scape: A leafless flower stalk.* Snowdrops (Galanthus) produce their flowers at the end of scapes. Garlic also produces scapes which are edible and delicious! *Allaby, M. (2006). A dictionary of plant …

Prickle: A small, sharp outgrowth of the epidermis or bark.* A prickle is a distinct botanical structure, different from a spine or a thorn. Despite the saying, every rose doesn’t …

Burl: Woody knot in the trunk, branches, or roots of a tree, caused by something that has damaged the tree (infection, disease, or injury), prized for use in woodworking.*   …

Quiescent: In a state or condition of quietness; motionless; inactive; dormant.* Seeds in storage are said to be quiescent. They are purposely kept dry and cool to prevent them from germinating. …

Monopodial: Having a single axis of growth with lateral branching occurring on either side of the main axis, most commonly used to describe the growth of inflorescences but also to describe …

Carina: A keel or ridge.* These paperwhites (Narcissus papyraceus) have keeled flower stalks with a prominent ridge running the length of each side. Paperwhites are commonly forced to bloom indoors in the …

Fusiform: Three-dimensionally shaped like a spindle, widest at the middle and tapering to a point at both ends.* The winter buds of beech trees (Fagus) have a fusiform shape. *Pell, S.K., …