Botany Words

plant family suffix.

g. plants

concerned with growth

side or face away from the axis e.g. lower (under or dorsal) surface of leaf

small, dry, hard single-seeded fruit;

needle-like

sun

radially symmetrical (like sun's rays)

prickly

leaf tip tapering to a long drawn-out point

sharply pointed leaf tip; often ending in a sharp point

stuck to - connected to another part throughout its whole length (as in base of pinna to a rachis)

roots may arise from stems; adventitious shoots may develop on stems rather than from leaf axils. such buds grow from pieces of meristematic tissue left be-hind as the plant grows. cells in this region divide rapidly causing the roots or shoots to develop.

relating to or requiring free oxygen

thin expansions on the edges of seeds that aid in wind dispersal

simple plant-like organisms with no roots, stems or leaves, making their own food by photosynthesis (singular: alga)

other

(leaves) occur singly on opposite sides of stem

of generations life cycle occurring in plants such as ferns and mosses where an asexually reproducing generation alternates with a sexually reproducing generation which involves two different forms of a plant. it is necessary for the plant to go through both stages in order to reach maturity.

small pits dotted over the surface of the receptacle in which florets are seated

without air

form a network

forming a network

study of structure

stamens (male reproductive organs) - consisting of anther and filament

(pollination) by wind

flowering plant with seeds enclosed within an ovary that becomes the fruit

being having life, feeling, power of voluntary movement

plant completing its life cycle in one year

ring

towards the front

pollen-bearing top end of stamen (male reproductive organ) - this structure is lobed and hollow, containing masses of pollen grains that are released when the anther splits or dehisces. the anther is borne on a stalk or filament.

structure that produces motile male sperms (ferns, mosses)

period when pollen is shed and fertilisation of the ovary occurs; when flower is open for pollen transfer

the angiosperms - flowering plants

flowers that do not bear petals. often wind pollinated, they do not need to attract insects and the stamens and stigma usually protrude from the flower.

family formerly known as umbelliferae

at apex or tip

(ovary) separate carpels each with own style

the structure which produces the female egg (ferns, mosses)

dryness; relates to low rainfall

fleshy outgrowth around the seed, often red bird-attracting, surrounding the carpel; fleshy part of the coat of a seed - arising from seed stalk or surface of seed

having a long bristle-like point

scented with a distinct smell when crushed

jointed ripe seed pods which break off easily

having a joint; as in a single foliate leaf where there is a swelling at the junction of the leaf-blade and the petiole

division of fungi (includes the lichens)

without sexuality; not involving fusion of gametes

reproduction form of reproduction that does not involve the mixing of genetic information via male and female gametes.

family formerly known as compositae

not equal or balanced; having an irregular shape.

leaf base tapering

ear-like appendage

slender bristle-like projection at the end, on the back, or on the edge, of an organ. in grasses it is usually a continuation of the mid-rib of one or other of the floral organs.

of, relating to, or forming an axis; located on, around or along an axis

the angle between an organ of a plant and its main axis. e.g. leaf and stem; mid-vein and lateral veins

a form of placentation where the ovules are attached to the central axis of the ovary

developing in angle between leaf and stem

plant stem; the line of growth of a stem or any of its branching parts that carry flowers, other branches or leaves

sharp spine-like hook which is bent backwards

outer covering of stem or root; tough outer skin of a woody plant

growing at the base of the stem

division of fungi (includes mushrooms, toadstools, puff balls, etc.)

attached at base

tuft of hair

covering of long or stiff hairs on a flower or seed head

protective mound or bank

type of fruit - succulent, entire with outer skin surrounding a pulpy layer containing one or more seeds, not splitting open when ripe e.g. grape

two

two-lipped

twice pinnately divided compound leaf arrangement; of leaves or fronds twice divided in a pinnate manner

hermaphrodite - stamens and pistil on same flower

plant that lives for two growing seasons, germinating and growing in the first and producing seeds in the second and then dying

flattened structure of leaf formed by thin layers of cells between the veins.

waxy powdery coating

trunk of tree up to the first branch

northern

fruiting body of a fungus formed on the trunk or branch of a tree or shrub

leaf-like structures; small, usually green, bracts

stem leaves merged with the lobes of the calyx - modified leaf surrounding a flower; a modified leaf which surrounds or encloses a flower or group of small individual flowers; a leaf-like or scale-like structure at the base of a flower or inflorescence

lateral stem

small stems arising from branch

plants with leaves and stems but no true roots (mosses and liverworts)

undeveloped shoot protected by scales

method of vegetative reproduction

shortened underground stem that stores food - made up of fleshy scales

secondary or small bulbs; a small bulb produced on a frond that develops into a plantlet

extension of the base of the trunk of a tree where the trunk meets roots; may be a massive swelling or thin and elongated (plank-buttress)

collective term for the sepals of a flower, sometimes persistent in the fruit; outer whorl of floral leaves, usually green but may be coloured to attract pollinators

layer of actively dividing cells known as meristematic tissue, which increases the girth of plant stems and gives rise to the annual ring in woody stems

bell-shaped

having a groove or channel, as in canaliculate petiole (leaf stalk)

(inflorescence) forms a head

(type of fruit) seed vessel; spore case; dry opening fruit of more than one carpel -develops from several ovaries joined together

element found in all living things; plants obtain carbon from carbon dioxide during photosynthesis

orange pigment, accessory to chlorophyll, which collects light energy

female reproductive organ of flower usually comprising stigma, style and a single ovary.  The terms carpel and pistil are sometimes used interchangeably, but a flower may have many carpels forming one pistil.

grass seed - fruit which is more than a seed as it is surrounded by a husk.

spike of usually hanging flowers with a few stamens or a single pistil without perianth; an often drooping inflorescence (flower cluster) with stalkless, unisexual flowers along its main axis.

grasstree trunk

referring to flowers or fruit borne on larger branches or trunk

attached to the stem

self-contained unit of living matter which takes in energy to build itself up and reproduce.

main light-absorbing pigment in plants - absorbs red light; the catalyst which allows photosynthesis

intra-cellular bodies in leaves and other green parts of plant which contain chlorophyll

thread-like structure occurring in pairs in cell nucleus which stores dna and passes on genetic material from one generation to the next

artificial process of organising things into groups according to their degree of evolutionary relationship

final stable community that results after a series of changes in the vegetation of a particular area

weak stemmed plant requiring supports of other plants or objects

individual produced by vegetative reproduction and genetically identical with the parent plant

(type of inflorescence) flowers grouped together in loose, usually terminal head

(pl. cocci) part of a schizocarp or lobed fruit

  sticking together; strong attraction of water molecules to each other

single structure formed by fused stamens and styles in orchids

long silky hairs aiding in wind dispersal of seeds

surrounded by coma.

  when calyx and corolla are both present

of the asteraceae family with many florets in a close head surrounded by a common whorl of bracts

leaf divided into two or more leaflets

reproductive structure in gymnosperms; complex system of bracts on which the naked ovule lies awaiting fertilisation by wind

the gymnosperms

(anthers) coming together but not fused

form multiple trunks after injury

  wood of small trees grown for periodic cutting; thicket

heart-shaped

(leaf) covered by a cuticle; having leathery leaves

thickened upright underground stem that stores food - unlike a bulb, it has no fleshy scales (crocus)

petals together

layer between epidermis and vascular tissue in root and stem

type of inflorescence - flower stalks of varying lengths but each flower reaching the same level; outer flowers open first

mid-vein of pinna

midvein of laminal segments of lesser order than the pinnae

seed leaf

scalloped edges (leaf margin)

refers to organisms active at dawn and/or dusk; in dim light

process in which pollen from one plant is transferred to the stigma of another plant of the same species

top part

flat and crusty (type of lichen)

spore-producing

spore producing plants

hooded, as in the flowers of many orchids.

cultivated variety - horticulturally or agriculturally produced variety or sub-species which must be propagated vegetatively to retain characteristics

wedge-shaped

hard leathery covering of leaf

(pl. cyathia) head of male and female flowers in the genus euphorbia grouped together to form what appears to be a single flower (poinsettia)

gymnosperm, primitive group of plants related to conifers and bearing palm-like fronds of foliage

cycads

(type of inflorescence) rounded arrangement of flowers in which the topmost flowers open first

(inflorescence) tips of both the main floral branch and the lateral floral branches are terminated by flowers

(family) the sedges

end of life of organisms that were once living

falls easily

lying on the ground with tip turned up

continuing down the stem; leaf whose base extends downwards along the stem and is wholly or partly fused with it.

(leaves) opposite with each pair at right angles to the last

splits (pea pods)

mainly used to refer to the triangular shape of leaves, generally where the base of the leaf blade is wide and tapers evenly to a point

toothed; shaped like a tooth (leaf margins)

turning into a desert

fragment of dead organic material

two

single-celled alga with silica case

able to split into two; dividing or forking branch or terminal shoot

division

plant with two seed leaves

two pairs (of stamens) of unequal length

divided like fingers

producing two forms

able to produce two forms

male and female flowers on separate plants

a cell that has two copies of each specific chromosome;

top surface of leaf different in colour from under surface.

away from the axis

having leaves opposite, but with all arising in the same plane

convenient group for classification of singular organisms with certain combinations of features common to it alone and which separates it from all other groups.

small pit or depression on the undersurface of a leaf, in the axils of the mid-vein and lateral veins.

species most common species in a given habitat

flower having more than the natural number of petals. the extra petals are formed from stamens and, where these are completely transformed, the flower is apt to be sterile. a flower with only a few extra petals and enough stamens for fertility is de-scribed as semi-double

(type of fruit) fleshy fruit containing one seed enclosed in a hard-walled stone that is embedded in a juicy pulp covered by an outer skin

drift of sand formed by wind

(fruit) dry capsule covered in stiff bristles

biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment

the science of the relationship between organisms and their environment

at the edge where plant communities overlap  often species rich

used to refer to certain mycorrhizal fungi which live in association with roots of plants by forming a sheath around the roots of the host plant

narrow, oval, widest at the centre with rounded or pointed ends

(of leaves) deeply notched.

large tree whose crown overtops the general rainforest canopy

occurring naturally in and restricted to one particular geographic region

tissue that is contained at the centre of a fruit which carries the seeds. the endocarp may contain high levels of sugar or growth inhibitors which will prevent the germination of the seed until they are broken down or washed from the seed coat

food reserve storage tissue of seed

used to refer to certain mycorrhizal fungi which live in association with the roots of plants by growing directly from the cells of the host

capacity to do work obtained by combining food with oxygen; any non-material agent that can cause matter to change, such as chemical energy and mechanical (kinetic) energy

flow of chemical energy through an ecosystem as shown by food chains and food webs

of the margins of leaves when without teeth, lobes or divisions; complete, unbroken

(pollination) by insects

physical, chemical and biological conditions that exist at a given location; sum total of external influences acting on an organism

flowering plants which grow rapidly from seed, mature, produce their own seeds and die within weeks - found in harsh environments

upon, on; over, above; around, covering

extra segments present between the true sepals

skin of a drupe

(growth) occurs from dormant or adventitious buds in bark stimulated by injury, fire.

outer layer of cells

above ground level

(stamens) above or on petals; attached to the petals

a plant growing on another plant or object using it for support and not nourishment

wide area at the mouth of a river subject to tidal movements

condition where a plant looks pale and there is elongation of the internodes with poor development of the leaves - happens when light has been suppressed

habitat which is rich in nutrients for the growth of plants or other organisms. such rich growing conditions may produce excessive vegetation or populations of plants which are prone to pests or diseases

process which may occur in ponds, lakes and rivers when the addition of extra nutrients causes heavy algal growth (algal bloom), especially when the nutrients are nitrogen-rich. having used up all the nutrients, the algae die and, in the process of decomposition by bacterial action, the oxygen in the water is used up so that aerobic organisms cannot survive.

to peel off in layers as in the bark of certain trees

refers to an organism that does not occur naturally in a region, but which has been introduced into the region by an external agent

section of the family leguminosae formerly known as papilionaceae

scythe or sickle-shaped (leaf)

having sickle shaped leaves

fruit develops from an ovary plus other flower parts, e.g. apple

related genera - end in suffix aceae

close cluster of flowers, stems, leaves or other similar parts

spore-producing, non-flowering plant with outer layer of cells impervious to water (cuticle), with water conductive tissue, stems and leaves. fronds often uncoil as they grow.

the fusion of male and female gametes (sex cells) to produce a zygote (embryo); union of female and male reproductive cells

strong, string-like tissue found in plants, which helps to hold them together - fibres are composed of long cells joined together, the walls of which are thick.

are often elastic, therefore allowing plants to bend, or impregnated with lignin, which causes them to harden into wood.

of a root system, having roots all about the same size with no single dominant root; describing one of these roots.

stalk of anther - part of androecium

class within the division filiicophyta to which ferns belong

division to which ferns belong

the condition of plant cells that have lost water and become soft. plant tissues are composed of cells which, when full of water, press against each other to keep the plant upright

whip-like structures

all the different kinds or species of plants that can be found in an area

individual flower contained within an inflorescence

bearing numerous flowers

organ for sexual reproduction in angiosperms; modified leaves which have taken on the task of seed production; four concentric rings of structures - pistil, stamens, petals, sepals

leafy (type of lichen)

(type of fruit) dry indehiscent fruit that split open along one side

one kind of representation to show chemical energy flow from producer to consumers in an ecosystem

herbaceous plant other than grass, sedge or rush - herbage - may be annual or per-ennial

evidence or remains of an organism that lived long ago

leaf of fern or palm

matured ovary - seed-bearing part of plant

shrub-like (type of lichen)

plant-like organisms with no chlorophyll, lacking the ability to produce their own food and feeding on living organisms or their dead remains (pl. fungi)

abnormal outgrowth from the root, stem, leaf or flower of a plant composed of tissue mass produced in response to infestation by a pathogen, such as insects, bacteria or fungi.

sex cell involved in reproduction, esp. a mature sperm or egg, capable of partici-pating in fertilisation. they are haploid having only a single set of chromosomes.

gr. husband

(prothallus) sexual phase (eg ferns) producing gametes. dominant phase in life-cycle of mosses; the gametophyte is the haploid stage of a fern and makes sex cells or gametes that form new sporophytes after fertilization

petals united at base into a short tube.

gr. marriage

group (generic) genera (pl)

grows downwards

growth of seeds into seedlings - begins when seeds become active below ground and ends when the first foliage leaves appear above ground

site of spore production in fungi

without hairs or scales - smooth

organ of secretion; fluid secreting organ; small or minute structure either raised or on the surface or within the tissue of leaves or other organs

hairs responsible for aromatic odour

covered with bluish, white or grey bloom on leaves, stems, flowers or fruit; hav-ing a bluish-green colour

globular spherical or almost so

an empty modified leaf or bract, occurring at the base of a spikelet in grasses.

grassy.

extensive group of monocotyledon, flowering plants, characterised by hollow round stems with solid nodes at regular intervals. leaves are narrow and strap-like, borne on a sheath which surrounds the stem. the flowers are carried in loose panicles, racemes or spikes. the leaf sheath is split and ligule can be seen.

cells regulate aperture on stomata

gr. naked

plants with seeds exposed to the air at time of fertilisation (conifers)

ovary/style/stigma - female reproductive organs - pistil.

terrestrial plant adapted to grow in salt-rich soil and salt-laden air

(cell) a sex cell that has a single set of chromosomes produced by meiosis; one copy of each specific chromosome - i.e. having an unpaired set of chromosomes. the basic number of chromosomes possessed by the sexual cell of most plants

dicot wood (some, such as balsa, is softer than softwood)

leaf shape rather like an arrow at the tip and rounded lobes turned outwards at the base

sucker pads (dodder)

compact cluster of flowers

central portion of an older woody stem that no longer conducts water

an area occupied mainly by low shrubby plants whose growth is conditioned by severe environmental factors

plant which grows from the ground initially but severs ground contact with maturity

plant with soft stem that does not become woody

1. collection of plants or plant parts that are picked, pressed and dried, and then mounted for permanent reference; 2. place where these are housed

male and female organs (pistil and stamens) on same flower (bi-sexual)

other; different

bearing coarse stiff hairs

densely covered with minute white hairs giving a white or greyish appearance

organ which holds algae to rocks

a usually dry outer covering, often composed of bracts, of a fruit or seed. dried out remains of overy.

individual produced from genetically different parents - often sterile - must be propagated vegetatively to retain characteristics; the issue of cross-breeding two dif-ferent species

sequence of seral communities which mark the transition from water to dry land

receptacle

excessively, higher than normal

the feeding thread of a fungus (pl. hyphae)

below

cotyledon stem

at or near ground level - below, under.

(stamens) below female part (ovary)

plant tissue that is laid closely overlapping, like scales, for greater strength or protection (see valvate)

(leaf) compound, pinnate, terminates with a single leaflet

cut sharply and deeply, as of a leaf margin

(flower) when calyx and/or corolla are absent

not opening at maturity

protective membrane; cup-shaped expansion surrounding the stigma at the end of the style (goodenia); covering which protects sporangia in ferns

ovary one which lies below the other parts of the flower

cluster of flowers; arrangement of flowers (and thus fruits) on plant. the collective flower consisting of florets or spikelets

fruiting structure that contains more than a single fruit

without organised physical structure; extraneous; without carbon; has never lived

the portion of a stem between the insertion points of successive leaves

veins situated within the margin and more or less parallel to it

spirally curled ring of bracts or small leaves around the base of a flower or flower cluster

bracts which surround the receptable in asteraceae.

asymmetrical

gr. hidden

front petal of an orchid appearing as a lip or tongue

lipped

(leaves) fringed with deep irregularly cut lobes

family formerly known as labiatae

expanded part of a leaf; the leaf blade

leaf type shaped like a lance - broadish in the lower half and tapering at both ends

artificial introduction involving human activity.  Introduced plants have the potential to become weeds.

side

milky or watery substance exuded from cut or broken petioles or branchlets in certain plants e.g. figs

flat usually green part of plant comprising lamina (blade) and petiole (stalk).  Main site of photosynthesis.

segment of a compound leaf

thin, usually green flattened organs, comprising lamina (blade) and petiole (stalk).  Main site of photosynthesis.

pod-bearing family which formerly included:

outer flowering glume (considered to be the remnant of the corolla) of grasses

corky spot on young bark corresponding to epidermal stomata

climbing plant that develops a think woody stem

plant-like partnership between a fungus and an alga which often forms a crust on rocks, tree-trunks or soil

capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity and continual change until death

of the nature of wood

woody material - substance that reinforces xylem cells and makes them rigid

underground storage stem with dormant buds that produce new growth when the above-ground parts of the tree are destroyed, usually by fire

strap-shaped as in outer ray florets of asteraceae

tongue-shaped appendage of the sheath of a grass leaf where it joins the blade

leaf type which is long, narrow, grass-like, with parallel sides

plant growing on rock or cliff face

of or on the shore; region lying along shore; coastal

state characterised by the ability to trap, store, release and use energy in a controlled manner for specific purposes, and to exchange matter with the external surroundings

rounded part or projection especially in an organic structure; rounded or pointed division of a leaf; the sepal or petal of a flower

leaf outline with lobes

separate small cavity

a place

leaf outline shaped like a lyre

tree with multiple stems arising from a lignotuber - usually eucalypt

seashore (estuarine) tree adapted to periodic inundation with salt water

fruit of beech, oak, etc. esp. as food for pigs

covered with dry flour-like powder

form of cell division that produces different cells; meiosis makes sex cells genetically different from each other.

division producing differing cells

pliable tissue connecting or lining organs

part of a fruit that seems to be a separate fruit, as the two carpels in fennel and other plants in the carrot family; a one-seeded carpel which is one of a pair split at maturity

tissue that contains cells able to divide indefinitely, situated at tip of shoot and root (also at stem base in grasses allowing grazing and mowing);

fleshy part of a drupe

opening in the seed coat which allows water to enter.

division of a cell nucleus to produce two identical cells - mitosis produces two new cells with exactly the same genetic material as the original cell. male and female gametes form by meiosis.

division producing identical cells.

one

plant with one seed leaf, leaves with parallel veins, flower parts that usually divide into threes

unisexual - male and female flowers occur separately on one plant

bed of small stones deposited by retreating glacier

study of shape

non-flowering plants with leaves and stems but no true roots.

plant cells are diploid and contain two sets of chromosomes which are formed by exact replication. (pollen cells and ova (egg) cells (sex cells), however, contain a single set of chromosomes which have the potential to combine at fertilisation; this condition is known as haploid.)

having a short needle-like tip

white filamentous strands of fungi (a network of hyphae)

partnership between a fungus and the roots of a plant; fungus which attaches itself to plant roots and forms a symbiotic relationship (one of mutual benefit) with the plant. this works by the plant giving up sugar to the fungus (albeit reluctantly) while the fungus absorbs phosphates and nitrates from the soil.

plant that has evolved to grow under a particular set of conditions in harmony with associated species (in an ecosystem)

describing a plant that has arrived from somewhere else and now grows in the wild along with the rest of the local flora

substance produced by plants to attract pollinators

sugar storage - usually at base of petal

rigid, elongated, pointed leaves

strand of water-conducting tissue visible on the surface of a stem or leaf: also vein

point on a stem where leaves or bracts arise. a joint occurring at intervals along stems of grasses - and clovers from which leaves arise as well as roots in the case of some creeping stems.

small knots or swellings found on roots of leguminous plants which contain bacteria that can trap nitrogen in the air and make it available in the form of ammonia to that plant. the plant receives essential nutrients and the bacteria receive carbohydrate in re-turn

objects or substances that never showed the characteristics of being alive

plants eg. mosses, algae, fungi - without vascule, vein,vessel

dry, one seeded indehiscent fruit with woody outer layer

leaf shape - inverted lance, widest above middle

used to describe an asymmetrical leaf base

leaf shape - inverted ovate - egg-shaped with broadest part above the middle

leaf shape - reversed ovate, widest above the middle

blunt or rounded leaf tip or base

describes any leaf with a base narrower than its tip

(leaf) compound leaf that is reduced to one leaflet, recognised by the joint at the junction of the lamina and the petiole

bud cap (eucalypt)

(leaves) arising at the same level on the stem

leaf in shape of an orb

member of animal or plant carrying out particular function

having vital organs - derived from living organisms - containing carbon

individual animal or plant; living being with inter-dependent parts

(pollination) by birds

passage of solvent through semi-permeable membrane from a weak to a strong solution; process by which something is acquired by absorption; the net movement of water molecules across a partially permeable membrane and down a concentration gradient

basal part of pistil which becomes the fruit and contains the seed (encloses female reproductive organs)

egg-shaped - describes a leaf that is oval but wider near the stalk

oval - usually referring to a three-dimensional structure such as a fruit

unfertilised seed

  the deprotonated, charged form of oxalic acid or an ester of oxalic acid.

flowering glume (grasses).

structurally herbaceous monocot; tree-like plant with usually tropical unbranched stem and crown of large leaves

lobed like a hand

(type of inflorescence) branched raceme with a main axis and subdivided branches. it may be compact and spike-like or open. again, the branches may spread evenly in all directions or to one side only.

calyx modified to form hair-like silky bristles (dandelion)

type of leaf venation where veins run side by side, up and down the leaf

feeds on living plant - species that benefits at the expense of its host

compound leaf arrangement without single terminal leaflet

result of organic matter decomposing in boggy areas - the conditions in which peat is found are anaerobic (without air) meaning there are few bacteria present to hasten decomposition

stalk of a solitary flower or of a flower borne in a cluster

short-stalked

inflorescence stalk

shield-like, attached by a single stalk with the stem meeting the leaf at the centre of its underside, rather than the top;

hanging downwards

hanging down, swinging

type of leaf venation

five-lobed

plant living for more than two years

around

calyx (sepals) and corolla (petals) collectively

a structure developed from the ovary wall and enclosing the seed in angiosperms - specifically the collective term for the outer layers around the seed in the kind of fleshy fruit called a drupe

(stamens) arising around female part (ovary)

permanently frozen subsoil

conspicuous parts of the flower, usually coloured to attract pollinators; protect re-productive parts, together with calyx.

stalk-like structure that connects a leaf to a stem

leaflet stalk (compound leaves)

gr. Visible

gr. bark

light

process in which energy of sunlight is used by green plants to form carbo-hydrates from carbon-dioxide and water

petiole functioning as an entire leaf; flattened leaf stalk acting as a leaf

(see division) the category ranking below a kingdom and above a class in the hierarchy of taxonomic classification

study of function

mushroom cap

  hairy

primary segments of a divided leaf

once divided; having the structure of a feather - similar parts appearing on opposite sides of an axis; once-divided compound leaf with the leaflets arranged on opposite sides of the common rachis or leaf-axis

leaf shape - divided pinnately.

little pinna

plants that colonise an exposed substrate in early stages of succession

female reproductive structure of a flower consisting of ovary, style and stigma (see carpel)

(flowers) female parts only

swollen pad of tissue formed from fused margin of carpel to which the ovules are attached

the marginal arrangement of ovules within the ovary - a constant character within plant families and used in plant identification

living organism, feeding on inorganic substances, without power of locomotion

feathery

tiny shoot from seed

root breathing equipment (mangroves)

(family) the grasses - formerly known as gramineae

(type of fruit) dry fruit opening when ripe along two lines of dehiscence, derived from a single carpel

(type of fruit) dry fruit opening when ripe along to lines of dehiscence, derived from a single carpel

yellow fertilising dust of flower which contains male sex cells

develops to allow pollen to travel down style from the stigma to the ovary.

transfer of pollen (which contains male sex cells) from an anther (part of the male reproductive organ) to a stigma (part of the female reproductive organ)

many

gynaecium with more than one carpel

(ovary) many chambers

flower composed of more than one petal - petals are not fused and are separate on receptacle.

fake fruit, e.g. an apple, which develops when the receptacle grows up around the true fruit (the core).

sharp-pointed, hard, emergences on the stem or leaf of some plant; not modified branches or stipules, hence irregularly spaced and not restricted to axils; can be re-moved without causing any damage to the plant

of or relating to an original stage or state

trailing or spreading along the ground without rooting

primitive type of cell such as that of blue-green algae, where the dna inside the nucleus is not separated from the rest of the material located in the inside

producing buds or new plants vegetatively

lying closely on the ground

the gametophyte generation; flat growth resulting from the germination of a spore and bearing archegonia and antheridia

bulb-like thickened stem of some orchids

with leaves arranged in a cluster on the stem, the clusters separated by regular intervals, usually produced behind a scaly bud

(division) plants with roots, stems, leaves and water conducting tissue, no flowers, with reproduction by spores (ferns, horsetails, club moss)

covered with short soft downy hairs

swollen base of a petiole

swollen base of a petiole, usually capable of changing the orientation of a leaf

ending in a stiff sharp point

adapted to an environment in which fire occurs

measured area within which observations are made on plant distribution, etc.

(type of inflorescence) unbranched spray of stalked flowers along a common stem; spikelets or flowers are attached directly to the axis by short stalks.

  main axis of the lamina or its divisions

of or related to roots; the area where the stem meets the root; a term used to describe part of a plant that is growing from the root or at the base of a stem

seed root

closed canopy of broad-leaved trees, many with buttressed roots

flat usually petal-like floret that is part of the flower heads. typically the ray flowers edge the central disc, which is made up of disc flowers

upper part of the axis bearing the floral parts, sometimes enlarged and obvi-ous in fruiting stage

(leaf) edges turned under

simple, not primitive (flower)

firm-stemmed water or marsh plant

leaves that are kidney-shaped

exudate of tree, wood or bark, liquid but becoming solid on exposure

of the family restionaceae, allied to the sedges

having a network of fibres or veins

notched at end of leaf

of leaves, margins rolled back wards

fine root-like structure present in some plants such as mosses

horizontal creeping underground stem that often sends out roots and shoots (ginger)

leaf shaped like a rhombus - roughly quadrangular (having four sides)

of or on the banks of a river or stream.

associated with a river

circle or whorl of leaves around the stem of a plant; a basal rosette occurs at the base of the stem

(leaves) forming a rosette

flowers with the petals arranged as on the spokes of a wheel.

long slender stolon; twining vine

marsh or waterside plant of the family juncaceae with slender, tapering pith-filled stems

arrow-shaped leaf base

dry indehiscent winged fruit of e.g. ashes, elms, maples

exudate from ruptured tissues.

plant which feeds on decaying vegetable matter

rough to the touch

any thin, more or less dry, membranous structure, usually small, or as some peltate scales on some leaves and stems

leaf reduced to a small structure, often crowded

floral stem - leafless peduncle rising from ground

(type of fruit) dry fruit that splits into dry one-seeded units

hard leaved (eucalypt, paperbark)

minutely scaly

waterside or marsh plant. the leaf sheath is closed and no ligule is present. stem usually solid and triangular.

fertilised and ripened ovule. an embryonic plant; matured ovule without accessory parts; the result of sexual reproduction in plants

process that occurs when the pollen from one flower settles on the stigma of the same flower and grows through the style to the egg

protective layer outside petals - often green but sometimes coloured to attract pollinators - protects bud - leaflike parts of calyx

plant community in a succession which can (but does not always) lead to a climax (adj. seral)

soils formed from natural break down of ultramafic (high magnesium and iron) rocks, and usually containing high concentrations of nickel, chromium and magnesium.

toothed (leaf margins) with sharp forward-pointing teeth

without stalks; fixed

lower part of a leaf enveloping the stem or stalk in grasses

new plant growth

woody perennial plant having several stems, growing from the ground, but no single trunk

of leaf, not divided into leaflets

wavy - as of leaf margins

conifer wood

powdery vegetative fragment involved in propagation in lichen

groups of sporangia (sorus - singular)

club-like stalk bearing tiny flowers, usually enclosed in a sheath-like spathe; a flower-head on fleshy spike, usually enclosed by a large bract.

leaf-like organ that encloses or spreads from the base of the spadix - large leafy bract enclosing a flower cluster

spoon-shaped, enlarged and rounded towards the apex

spatula-shaped (leaf type)

group of closely similar individuals with small variations - able to interbreed

(sub-division) seed-bearing plants with roots, stems, leaves and water-conducting tissue (gymnosperms and angiosperms)

(inflorescence) - forms a spike

type of inflorescence where flowers are attached directly to the axis without stalks.

the unit of the inflorescence in grasses normally consisting of two glumes and one or more florets.

general term to describe any spiky growth

having spines

spore case (pl. sporangia)

asexual diploid cell used in reproduction; vegetative reproductive cell that does not contain an embryo. being dust-like they are transported by water or air and are carried great distances by the wind.

spore-bearing structure

asexual diploid phase producing spores; dominant stage in life-cycle of ferns; the diploid form of the fern plant that produces spores; conspicuous phase of fern plant

hollow, tube-like projection from the petal - as in larkspur

scaly

male reproductive appendages consisting of anther and filament

(flowers) male parts only - having stamens but lacking pistils

sterile stamen, often small and inconspicuous

central core of vascular plants

star-shaped e.g. of a hair

main ascending axis of a plant; a stalk supporting another plant part such as a leaf or flower

that portion of the pistil which receives the pollen

leaf stalk from the rhizome to the lamina in grasses

having stipules

small appendage, appearing in pairs at the base of the petiole in some plants; bract on the base of the petiole. two leaf-like organs which arise from the axils of the-leaves of clovers and medicks

prostrate surface stem which roots at the nodes

pores in the leaf (usually more numerous on the underside) through which gases and water vapour pass in and out

begins life as epiphyte, roots eventually strangle host plant

the pattern of a leaf where the stripes, ribs or grooves are longitudinal

(pl. strobili) cone-shaped structure in many gymnosperms and fern allies usually composed of overlapping scales and containing reproductive elements

connecting stalk between the ovary and stigma

overall similarity but may grow in a different area or exhibit different flower colour

material on which a plant grows (soil, sand or rock)

leaves that are long, narrow and taper to a point

series of changes in an area resulting in climax vegetation

thick and fleshy; having fleshy juicy leaves or stems

shoot from the lower part of the stem (water-shoot)

relationship between two species which is mutually advantageous

(corolla) petals joined together, at least at bases

plants where the terminal bud forms a flower or dies and subsequent growth is carried out by the lateral buds

(ovary) one style - more than one chamber (simple flower)

coiling leaf-like organ that attaches itself to objects allowing itself to climb

parts of a flower where there is no differentiation between the sepals and petals (monocots.)

cylindrical and smooth; slender and circular in cross-section (as in grass stems)

at the end or apex

the chequer-board patterning found on some flowers, leaves or trunks

hard outside coat of a seed

division - simple plants with no stems or leaves - algae, bacteria and blue-green algae, fungi, lichens

plant body of thallophyta

sharp pointed projection on a plant; modified branch, hence in leaf-axils or termi-nating short branches, arising from the woody part of the plant, usually regularly placed

group of cells that work together (eg. vascular tissue)

densely hairy; with matted hairs

hairs

thick-walled cells in xylem - reinforced with lignin; usually dead on maturity, they conduct water and minerals and give strength and rigidity to plants - essential in development of tall trees

division - plants with conducting tissue

plants that are prostrate but do not produce roots

line across an area along which observations can be made on plant distribution, etc.

evaporation of water and water vapour into the atmosphere from the leaves

perennial plant with single woody trunk and distinct head or crown

compound leaves composed of three leaflets

petals, sepals, bracts or leaves that can be divided equally into three

a compound leaf with the blade divided three times (as in many ferns such as the brackens)

triangular (as in stem of sedge)

a directional growth response to a plant to an environmental stimulus

ending abruptly as if cut off

the main woody axis of a tree

swollen underground stem which stores food (potato)

small wart-like outgrowth; may be blunt or with a short sharp point

with knobby projections

cold desert - country underlain by permafrost - topsoil frozen for 9 months

pressure of the sap inside a cell

(type of inflorescence) simple or compound - flowers borne on stalks arranged like ribs of umbrella; a flower cluster with a flattish top, in which the individual stalks radiate from a central point; if the stalk ends in separate umbels the cluster is a compound umbel eg queen anne's lace

wavy

male and female flowers on the same plant

structure that breaks open or apart to release seeds from a fruit at maturity

something differing from another of the same type

plants - ferns, angiosperms, gymnosperms - having special tissue to channel water and nutrients

plant-life

concerned with growth and development rather than sexual reproduction

strands of water-conducting tissue, visible from the surface of the stem, leaf or petal (also nerve)

arrangement of veins

the arrangement of leaves in the bud - sometimes a useful means of identification

describes an anther which is joined to its filament about half way along its length

(leaves) whorled

climbing or trailing plant with weak stem

giving birth to living offspring produced within parent body

vegetation of coastal lowlands, including wet and dry heaths and open eucalypt forests originating from sandy soils with low fertility, including paperbark woodlands and rainforest

chemical compound of hydrogen and oxygen, good solvent. nearly all chemical reactions occur in a watery solution

  introduced plant without natural predators to keep it in check that has escaped into the bushland and is out-competing native species

ring of leaves, bracts or flowers radiating out horizontally from one common point on a stem

membranous outgrowth from a seed or petiole. the wing helps to carry the seed on the wind ensuring greater distribution. (see alar)  

tissue that supports trees and shrubs - layer of xylem cells reinforced with lignin which makes them rigid - allows plants to grow tall without collapsing

pigment which absorbs red light; accessory to chlorophyll which also masks green colour of chlorophyll in young leaves of some species

drought-resisting plant specially adapted to dry conditions

seral community that starts with bare rock

supporting and water-conducting tissue of vascular plants consisting mainly of woody tissue - carries water and minerals from roots to leaves; upward; translocation of water and soluble salts

gr. wood

yoke

bi-laterally symmetrical

fertilized egg that results from the fusion of haploid gametes