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…
Tag Archives: seeds
Botanical Nerd Word: Pappus
Pappus: A modified calyx made up of a ring of fine hairs, scales, or teeth that persist after fertilization and aid the wind dispersal of…
Garden Shop
Our Garden Shop is always “buzzing” with inspiration and brimming with essentials for gardeners of all ages. You’ll find a thoughtful selection of quality seeds…
Botanical Nerd Word: Imbibition
Imbibition: The adsorption of liquid, usually water, into the ultramicroscopic spaces or pores found in materials such as cellulose, pectin, and cytoplasmic proteins in seeds.*…
Botanical Nerd Word: Biconvex
Biconvex: Shaped like a lentil, i.e., round and convex on both sides.* *Pell, S.K., Angell, B. (2016). A botanist’s vocabulary: 1300 terms explained and illustrated….
Botanical Nerd Word: Anemochory
Anemochory: Dispersal of fruits and seeds by wind.* Milkweed pods (Asclepias tuberosa) are opening up and releasing their fluffy seeds in the garden and ravine….
Botanical Nerd Word: Ossiculus
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…
Botanical Nerd Word: Quiescent
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…
Botanical Nerd Word: Ballistic dispersal
Ballistic dispersal: (syn. ballochory) Mode of dispersal by which the diaspores are actively or passively catapulted away from the plant. This can either happen arbitrarily or…
Botanical Nerd Word: Funiculus
Funiculus: The stalk by which an ovule or seed is connected to the placenta in the ovary. The funiculus acts like an umbilical cord, supplying…