Word of the Week

Pyriform: Shaped like a pear.* Although pears are the most obvious example, pyriform can be used to refer to any pear-shaped fruit, such as pear-shaped tomatoes. *Pell, S.K., Angell, B. …

Limbate: Bordered, as in a leaf or flower in which one colour forms an edging or margin around another.* Many variegated plants follow this two-tone pattern. Pictured above are hosta …

Orthostichous: With parts arranged in straight ranks or rows.* The individual flowers in the flowering spikes of this obedient plant (Physostegia) are arranged in straight, vertical lines up the flower …

Matutinal: Functioning in the morning, as in flowers which open in the morning.* Morning glories get their name because their flowers open in early morning. *Harris, J.G., Harris, M.W. (2001). …

Vespertine: Opening, or functioning, in the evening.* Datura flowers tend to open at dusk – a great choice for an evening garden! *Harris, J.G., Harris, M.W. (2001). Plant identification terminology: An …

Divaricate: Widely spreading, usually in reference to branching.* Plants with a divaricating growth habit often appear very ‘full’ as their branches spread widely and intersect with one another. This gorgeous Caryopteris divaricata …

Ossiculus: The stone or pit of a drupe; a pyrene.* Peaches, apricots, cherries, and plums are all examples of drupes. *Harris, J.G., Harris, M.W. (2001). Plant identification terminology: An illustrated glossary (2nd …

Septum: (plural septa) wall between chambers (locules) in an ovary or fruit.* In the cross section of this tomato, you can see the septa separating the seedy locules. *Pell, S.K., …

Node: The position on the stem where leaves or branches originate.* Dog-strangling vine, pictured above, produces two leaves at each node along the stem. *Harris, J.G., Harris, M.W. (2001). Plant identification …

Calyptra: Hood or cap, as with the fused calyx of California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) or onions (Allium)* The papery covering of these Allium blooms is called a calyptra. It splits and …