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Xylem: A plant tissue consisting of various types of cells, which transports water and dissolved substances towards the leaves. It can be distinguished from the phloem by the presence of …

Adventitious: Structures or organs developing in an unusual position, as roots originating on the stem.* This Crassula ovata (jade plant) is producing adventitious roots along its stem. This may be an …

Anthropochory: (from Greek: anthropos = human being + chorein = to disperse, to wander): dispersal of fruits and seeds by man.* Taraxacum officinale (common dandelion) was introduced to North America by humans. …

Radicle: The part of the plant embryo which will develop into the primary root.* This adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) is just starting to sprout. The radicle is the first part …

Keiki: A Hawaiian word referring to a baby plant produced asexually by an orchid plant.* Keikis sometimes form at the nodes on the flowering stems of some orchids. They are an …

Pollinia (sing. pollinium): Hardened, cohesive masses of pollen grains, characteristic of orchids.* When a pollinator visits an orchid, it receives a discrete package of pollen rather than a dusting. The …

Fedge: A fence made up of living plants, especially willow, thus somewhat resembling a hedge.* The word ‘fedge’ is a combination of ‘fence’ and ‘hedge.’ Willow cuttings root easily and …

Ramification: Division or distribution into branches; a manner or pattern of branching; the action or process, or an act, of branching; the state of being branched.* The word ramification was originally used …

Cryptobiosis: A condition in which an organism (or an egg, seed, etc.) is in a dormant and resistant state without visible signs of life, remaining so until environmental or seasonal conditions …