Word of the Week

Hexamerous: With parts arranged in sets or multiples of six.* This spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) flower has six petals and six stamens. *Harris, J.G., Harris, M.W. (2001). Plant identification terminology: …

Denudate: Stripped bare; denuded.* With the cold weather settling in, our deciduous trees have taken on their denudate winter appearance. *Harris, J.G., Harris, M.W. (2001). Plant identification terminology: An illustrated …

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: Timber Press.

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 winter interest in the garden. …

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.

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 terminology: An illustrated glossary (2nd …

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 arrangement. *Harris, J.G., Harris, M.W. …

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 flora and fauna. Some species …

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: Dorling Kindersley.