Category: Word of the Day

Learning botany one word at a time.

Ontogeny: One Plant, Many Leaf Shapes

In Word of the Day on 7 May 2012 tagged Conservatory of Flowers, Philodendron

A single species can have different leaf shapes over the life of the plant.

Word of the Day: Dioecious

In Word of the Day on 11 May 2011 tagged Cycad, Encephalartos, Kew Gardens, London

Plants that have blooms that only contain boy parts or girl parts, but not both, are dioecious.

Word of the Day: Viviparous

In Word of the Day on 8 March 2011 tagged Kalanchoe, Succulents

Viviparous plants generate offspring while attached to the parent.

Word of the Day: Cotyledon

In Word of the Day on 20 January 2011 tagged Annie's Annuals, Cotyledon, Geranium, Seedlings

Think of them as linebackers, clearing a path for the plant that follows.

Word of the Day: Monocarpic

In Word of the Day on 29 December 2010 tagged Agave, Century Plant

They live their lives and then go out with a bang. They burn out, not fade away.