Botanical Glossary

Botanical
abbreviate (adj) shortened
glossary
A
abnormal (adj) different in some manner from other specimens in the taxon
acerose (adj) needle-shaped; narrower than subulate, tapering more gradually to a point
acetabuliform (adj) concave, with slightly inturned border
acinaciform (adj) scimitar-shaped
active trap (n) a trap which is capable of some degree of movement to catch or detain its prey (see also passive trap)
acuminate (adj) (of leaves) long and pointed; tapering gradually to a point
acuminose (adj) rather less gradual than acuminate
acute (adj) ending in a sharp point (usually of leaves); tapering without curvature to a point; forming an angle of less
than 90 degrees
adventitious (adj) not assimilated or yet established
affixed (adj) of aquatic plants, rooted in soil but growing in open water
ala (n) wing or keel (of a pitcher etc.)
Aldrovanda (g) a montypic genus of aquatic plant having 'sprung' traps similar in form to those of Dionaea
ambit (n) the outline of a shape or body
amplexicaul (adj) clasping the stem, eg: sessile leaves that connect broadly around the stem
anatropous (adj) turned back on itself

anceps (adj) two-edged
androecium (n) the stamens collectively
androgynous (adj) with stamens and pistils in the same flower or inflorescence
angular (adj) having projecting longitudinal angles; undulate, but sharply angled rather than gently rounded
angustate (adj) attenuate; tapering smoothly and concavely to a point
anther (n) the apical portion of the stamen containing pollen
apex (n) tip, pointed end
apical (adj) of the apex
a name="apiculate"apiculate (adj) terminating abruptly in a hard point
appendage (n) a projecting part of a structure
apressed (adj) pressed closely to or lying flat against
aquatic (adj) living in water either free-floating or affixed
arachnoid(eous) (adj) covered with long hairs like a cobweb
aristate (adj) of a leaf terminating in an abrupt point, being a projection of the midrib
articulate (adj) having clearly distinguishable parts
ascidium (n) the tubular trap formed by a pitcher; the opening of such a trap
asperous (adj) rough to the touch
attenuate (adj) narrowing gradually to a point
attenuated (adj) diminishing in width
auricle (n) an ear-shaped structure
auriculate (adj) ear-shaped; with the leaf base composed of two rounded lobes
autogamous (adj) capable of self-fertilisation
axil (n) the angle between a leaf or branch and the stem or trunk it springs from
axillary (n) in or produced from an axil
axis (n) the central column of an inflorescence or other structure
B

asal (adj) of, at or forming a base
bicrenate (adj) crenate with the teeth also crenate
bifurcate (v) split into two
bilocular (adj) having two small, independent chambers
Biovularia (g) a former genus of carnivorous plant from South America currently incorporated in Utricularia
biserrate (adj) serrate with the teeth also serrate
bladder (n) a hollow chamber designed for trapping or flotation, notably in bladderworts
bladderwort (n) any plant of the genus Utricularia
boreal (adj) a climatic zone bordering the Arctic or Antarctic
botuliform (adj) sausage shaped; long and cylindrical with each end curved inwards
bract (n) a modified leaf providing an axil for a flower or inflorescence to grow from, or found on a flowering stem
Brocchinia (g) a small genus of bromeliads of which two species to date have been found to be carnivorous
bud (n) a small cell-mass in the process of dividing from a stem to form a flower, leaf or another stem
bullate (adj) having a pimpled or blistered surface
C
calyx (n) a protective structure around a flower formed by the sepals collectively
campanulate (adj) bell-shaped; resembling flowers of the genus Campanula
campaniform (adj) bell-shaped; resembling flowers of the genus Campanula
canaliculate (adj) grooved or channelled longitudinally
capilliform (adj) hair-shaped; finer than filiform
capitate (adj) terminated by an enlarged and rounded head
carinate (adj) having a keel; the midrib forming a keel
carpel (n) collectively the stigma, style and ovary; the female reproductive parts of a flower
Catopsis (g) a genus of bromeliads of which only one species has been found to be carnivorous
caudate (adj) possessing or in the form of a spur; extremely acuminate
caulescent (adj) (usually of flowers) more or less stemmed; appearing to have a stem
cauline (adj) of or belonging to the stem

cell (n) the structural unit of an organism; a cavity
Cephalotus (g) a monotypic genus of pitcher plant from SW Australia; the Albany Pitcher Plant
chasmogamous (adj) requiring opening of the flower for pollination
chemonastic (adj) regarding the chemically-induced movement of plant parts
cilium (n) a small hair, often motile
ciliate (adj) regarding or resembling the action of cilia
circinate (adj) rolled into a coil with the apex at the centre
cirrhous (adj) terminated by a tendril, being a projection of the midrib
claviform (adj) club-shaped; tapering upwards from a narrow base
cleistogamous (adj) capable of pollination without the flower opening; self-pollinating
clone (n) a plant produced by asexual reproduction, eg: from cuttings.
clypeate (adj) shield-shaped; almost the same as scutate
cochleate (adj) shaped like a snail shell
column (n) the plant structure that supports the lid of a pitcher
commissure (n) point of joining
compressed (adj) flattened longitudinally
congruent (adj) structurally identical in form and size
conical (adj) perfectly cone-shaped
connate (adj) of plant parts congenitally united into a single structure
conoidal (adj) imperfectly conical
cordate (adj) heart-shaped; in the form of two rounded lobes
cordiform (adj) heart-shaped; in the form of two rounded lobes
coriaceous (adj) leathery
corniculate (adj) horn-shaped (of an extremity)
corolla (n) the innermost whorl of petals in a flower
corona (n) a crown-like growth on the inside of the corolla
cotyledon (n) an embryonic leaf within or newly emerged from a seed
cotyliform (adj) rotate, but with an erect limb
crateriform (adj) goblet-shaped

crenate (adj) furnished with convex-sided teeth
crenulated (adj) minutely crenate
crispate (adj) curly, in the manner of parsley
cristate (adj) in the form of a crest; irregularly notched
crustaceous (adj) having a hard shell
cubical (adj) forming a cube or appearing similar to a cube
cucullate (adj) hooded
cuneate (adj) wedge-shaped
cuneiform (adj) wedge-shaped; in the form of a rounded isosceles triangle with the blunt end outermost
cupule (n) a cup-shaped structure
cupuliform (adj) cupola-shaped; shallowly concave with an entire, or nearly so, margin
curved (adj) bent in the form of an arc
cuspidate (adj) tapering evenly to a hard point
cylindrical (adj) forming a nearly true cylinder
cyathiform (adj) cup-shaped
cymbiform (adj) boat-shaped; concave, tapering at each end and keeled
cyme (n) an inflorescence in which the flowers open in order from the terminal point of the primary axis to those of the
higher axial orders in
turn
cymose (adj) in the manner of a cyme
daedaleous (adj) truncate, but raggedly so
D
Darlingtonia (g) a monotypic genus of pitcher plant native to the Western US; Cobra Lily
deciduous (adj) periodically shed (often of leaves)
decumbent (adj) lying along the ground
decurrent (adj) running down the stem; facing downwards
decurved (adj) curved downwards
dehisc (v) to shed pollen or seeds

deltoid (adj) a triangular based pyramid
dentate (adj) toothed; serrated
denticulate (adj) minutely dentate; projecting in the form of a small tooth; slightly toothed
depressed (adj) flattened vertically
didymous (adj) twinned
didynamous (adj) having 2 pairs of stamens of different lengths
digitaliform (adj) foxglove-shaped; campanulate, but longer and less even
digitate (adj) palmate, with narrower segments
dimidiate (adj) half-formed, the other half completely, or mostly, absent, whether by accident or nature
dioecious (adj) of plants forming both male and female flowers
Dionaea (g) a monotypic genus of carnivorous plant limited to a small area of the US East coastal plain, and equipped
with a hinged trap
which snaps shut on its prey in response to stimulation of trigger hairs; Venus Fly Trap
discal (adj) disc-shaped
discoidal (adj) orbicular with a distinct rounded border
divaricate (adj) spreading; widely divergent
dolabriform (adj) axe-shaped; in the shape of an axehead
Drosera (g) an extremely widespread genus of over 100 species found in climates from tropical to boreal; Sundew
Drosophyllum (g) A monotypic genus of carnivorous plant found on both sides of the straits of Gibraltar, it is a passive
trap) resembling
Drosera; Portuguese Sundew
ellipsoidal (adj) in the form of an ellipse
E
emarginate (adj) a rounded end terminated by a notch, as if a piece has been removed; the leaf margin is coloured
distinctly from the
lamina
embryo (n) the immature living cell-bundle formed by fertilisation
endemic (adj) restricted to a certain geographical location
endocarp (n) the innermost layer of the pericarp

endogamous (adj) self-pollinating
endosperm (n) nutrients enclosed in the seed to sustain early growth of the embryo
ensiform (adj) sword-shaped; lingulate, tapering to a fine point
entire (adj) totally free from division or interruption
enzyme (n) one of a number of chemicals secreted by a carnivorous plant to assist in the digestion of captured prey
epidermis (n) the outer layer of cells on a plant structure
epigeal (adj) growing with one or more leaves above the ground - the usual habit of plants
epinastic (adj) growing faster on one side of a leaf or stem than on the other - the means by which many active traps
move
epiphytic (adj) growing on other plants (usually trees,) without deriving or contributing nutritional benefit from them
equal (adj) symmetrical
equilateral (adj) symmetrical
eroded (adj) irregularly bounded, as if gnawed
exogamous (adj) pollination between genetically different plants
exserted (adj) projecting beyond; sticking out
extrorse (adj) facing outwards
falcate (adj) sickle-shaped; curved with parallel edges
F
family (n) a group of related genera taxonomically classified within an order
fasciarate (adj) band-shaped; long and narrow with untapering margins, with a length:breadth ratio of 12+:1
fascicle (adj) a close cluster of flowers
fenestration (n) the pattern of translucent spots that occurs on and around the lids of certain pitchers of the genera
Cephalotus and
Sarracenia
fertile (adj) capable of engaging in the process of fertilisation
fertilisation (n) the process of creating a zygote by fusing two gametes, usually accomplished by pollination
ferruginous (adj) reddish-brown - rust-coloured
-fid (suf) pointed; lobed, but only narrowly joined in relation to the size of the segments - eg: 2-fid, 3-fid

filament (n) the part of the stamen that supports the anther; a thread-like structure
filiform (adj) thread-like; in the form of a filament; coarser than capilliform
fimbriate (adj) fringed with hairs
fistulous (adj) cylindrical or terete, hollow and fully enclosed, ie: capped at both ends
flabellate (adj) fan-shaped
flabelliform (adj) fan-shaped
flagelliform (adj) whip-shaped; most often referring to roots or stems
floccose (adj) having tufts of fine hair; woolly
floret (n) each of the small flowers making up a compound flower
foliaceous (adj) resembling a leaf in texture or form
fulgid (adj) shining
funaliform (adj) in the form of rope; composed of rough fibres
fungiform (adj) mushroom-shaped
fungilliform (adj) mushroom-shaped
furcate (adj) forked
fusiform (adj) spindle-shaped, tapering at both ends
G
gamete (n) a specialised cell which unites with another to form a zygote
gemma (n) a small asexually-formed bud commonly produced by temperate Pinguicula, capable of producing a plant
genetically identical to
the parent plant
Genlisea (g) a genus of 15 species found in South and Central America and in Africa, with an unusual 'corkscrew' trap
unlike those found in
any other genus; sometimes called Corkscrew Plant
genus (n) a group of related species taxonomically classified within a family
gibberelic acid (n) a plant hormone that stimulates the growth of shoots and leaves
gibberelin (n) a plant hormone similar to gibberelic acid
gibbous (adj) very convex or tumid
gibrous (adj) swollen at one side

glabrescent (adj) tending to become glabrous
glabrous (adj) smooth; hairless
gland (n) a secreting cell or group of cells on the surface of a plant structure
glandular (adj) pertaining to the nature or action of glands
glanduliferous (adj) capable of or engaged in secretion; as a gland
glaucous (adj) covered in powdery bloom - as of grapes
globose (adj) forming a nearly true sphere
glomerate (adj) clustered compactly
gongyloid (adj) irregularly round in appearance
grumous (adj) in the form of clustered grains
gynandrous (adj) with stamens and pistils fused into a column
gynoecium (n) the carpels of a flower, collectively
H
hastate (adj) a triangle with two sides abruptly concave; in the form of two pointed lobes pointing outwards
hebetate (adj) a soft, blunt termination
Heliamphora (g) a genus of five species of pitcher plants found in South America; Marsh Pitcher (or, sometimes but
incorrectly, Sun Pitcher)
helicoid (adj) tending to a helical shape or pattern
herbarium (n) a systematically arranged collection of dried plants or record of such
heterogamous (adj) having 2 or more distinctly different forms of flower
heterophyllous (adj) producing different leaves in Winter and Summer
hibernaculum (n) a resting bud formed by many temperate and boreal Drosera and Pinguicula as an aid to surviving the
Winter months
hirsute (adj) hairy
homophyllous (adj) producing the same form of leaf in the Winter and Summer months
hormone (n) a chemical produced by organisms to trigger or regulate certain processes
hybrid (n) a specimen produced by the sexual reproduction of 2 plants of different species or subspecies

hypocrateriform (adj) salver-shaped
imbricate (adj) overlapping in a tile-like manner
incised (adj) appearing regularly slashed
included (adj) not exserted
incurved (adj) bent into a curve
I
indumentum (n) the surface hairs of a plant or constituent part, especially where dense
inflated (adj) bladdery; swollen and transparent, or appearing so
inflorescence (n) the complete flowering head of a plant, often with multiple flowers
infundibular (adj) funnel-shaped
infundibuliform (adj) in the form of a funnel
integument (n) a natural outer covering; husk or rind
internodal (n) pertaining to sections of stem between leaves or buds
internode (n) section of stem between leaves or buds
intricated (adj) very complicated; tangled
involute (adj) rolled inwards (usually of leaves)
irregular (adj) not regular; asymmetrical
J
K

L
labiate (adj) of a monopetalous corolla or calyx where divided into unequal divisions
lacerated (adj) appearing irregularly slashed
lachrymiform (adj) tear-shaped; like pyriform, but with no contraction towards the point
laciniae (n) an irregular narrow strip
laciniate (adj) fringed with irregular strips or segments; very deeply incised
lacuna (n) a cavity or depression
lamellar (adj) terminated by two small plates
lamellate (adj) terminated by two small plates
lamina (n) a thin plate or scale; the surface of a leaf excluding the petiole
laminar flow (n) a non-turbulent and constant stream of air
lanceolate (adj) tapering in shape, like a spear-head; eliptical with a length:breadth ratio of between 3:1 and 6:1
leaf (n) usually flattened, usually green plant structure being most often the primary organ of photosynthesis
lenticulate (adj) lens-shaped; resembling a double convex lens
lentiform (adj) lens-shaped; resembling a double convex lens
lignify (v) become woody
ligulate (adj) having strap-like florets
linear (adj) narrow with untapering margins and a length:breadth ratio between 6:1 and 3:1
linguiform (adj) tongue-shaped
lingulate (adj) strap-shaped; longer than linear but shorter than fasciarate, with a length:breadth ratio of between 6:1
and 12:1
lobed (adj) divided into (usually rounded,) segments
loculicidal (adj) pertaining to small separate cavities
lorate (adj) lingulate; longer than linear but shorter than fasciarate, with a length:breadth ratio of between 6:1 and 12:1
lower pitcher (n) the form of Nepenthes pitcher found on the lower portion of the plant. See also upper pitcher
lunate (adj) crescent moon-shaped
lunulate (adj) crescent moon-shaped
lyrate (adj) lyre-shaped; like pandurate, but pinched several times to produce several sets of smaller lobes, eg: an oak
leaf

M
marcescent (adj) withering but remaining attached to the plant
margin (n) edge; rim
meloniform (adj) melon-shaped; irregularly spherical with projecting ribs
meniscoid (adj) thin, concavo-convex and hemispherical; resembling a watch-glass
midrib (n) the central rib of a leaf
modioliform (adj) hollow, round and depressed, with a very narrow orifice
molendinaceous (adj) in the form of a set of sails; with multiple projecting wings
moniliform (adj) necklace-shaped; terete with regular bulges
monocotyledon (n) possessing only one cotyledon
monoecious (adj) having unisexual male and female organs on the same plant
monopetalous (adj) having a corolla fused into one piece, or the petals into a tube
monospermous (adj) producing a single seed
monostichous (adj) arranged in one row or layer
monotypic (adj) represented by a single example
monstrose (adj) abnormally formed
motile (adj) capable of movement
mucilage (n) a sticky secretion produced on the leaves or other trapping parts of some carnivorous plants to detain (or
occasionally
lubricate,) prey
mucronate (adj) terminating in a sharp point, more acute than the leaf it projects from
muricate (adj) roughened by sharp points
muscariform (adj) brush-shaped; penicillatate
muticous (adj) not pointed

napiform (adj) turnip shaped; a depressed sphere
N
naviculate (adj) boat-shaped; concave, tapering at each end and keeled
nectar (n) a sweet secretion used to attract insects and sometimes other animals, often for pollination or consumption
nectary (n) a specialized gland producing nectar
Nepenthes (g) a large genus of over 70 species of usually vine-like carnivorous plant distributed through South East
Asia, North Australia
and Madagascar, forming urns at the leaf extremities; Asian Pitcher Plant
nephriform (adj) kidney-shaped
nervation (n) the pattern of ribs in a leaf
nerveless (adj) lacking nervures
nervure (n) a midrib
nerve (n) a leaf-rib
noddling (adj) describing flowers which hang from a stalk, facing downwards - eg: Sarracenia
normal (adj) typical of its taxon; of features held in common between specimens in the taxon
O
oblique (adj) (usually of a leaf) having unequal sides; almost (but not quite,) symmetrical
oblong (adj) broadly elliptical with blunt ends
obovate (adj) ovate with the narrow end at the base
obtuse (adj) terminating in a blunt, unpointed end; forming an angle of more than 90 degrees
olliform (adj) in the shape of a flower-pot; a truncated cone
operculum (n) the lid of a pitcher or similar
orbicular (adj) disc-shaped; perfectly circular
orbiculate (adj) (usually of a leaf) almost circular
order (n) a group of related families taxonomically classified within a class
organ (n) a specialised plant structure performing a particular function

oval (adj) elliptical
ovary (n) a hollow organ at the base of the carpel of a flower in which the female plant's gametes are produced
ovate (adj) egg-shaped; oval, with one end more pointed than the other
overarched (adj) forming an arch over
ovoid (adj) egg-shaped; ovate
ovoidal (adj) egg-shaped; ovate
ovule (n) the part of the ovary of seed plants that contains the gamete; an unfertilized seed
P
pale (n) a membrane dividing distinct parts of a plant structure
palea (n) a chaff-like bract usually found in grasses
palmate (adj) 5-lobed, with the midribs joined at a common point
pandurate (adj) in the shape of a violin; an oval figure with sides pinched in to produce 2 lobes, one larger than the
other
panduriform (adj) in the shape of a violin; an oval figure with sides pinched in to produce 2 lobes, one larger than the
other
panicle (n) a branching cluster of flowers esp. where formed by a series of racemes branching from a main axis
parabiosis (n) the natural or artificial joining or grafting of two organisms
parabolical (adj) a more rounded form of rhomboid
parietal (adj) of the wall of a hollow stem or other structure; borne on the inner surface of a capsule
parted (adj) lobed, but only joined by the base
passive trap(n) a trap which is incapable of movement to catch or detain its prey
patelliform (adj) kneecap shaped; broadly round, convex on one side and concave on the other
pedate (adj) palmate, but with the first and fifth lobes tridentate, to give a 7-fid leaf overall
pedicel (n) any small, stalk-like structure
peduncle (n) the stalk of a flower, inflorescence or fruit
peltate (adj) shield-shaped
penicillate (adj) having or forming small tufts

penicillatate (adj) brush-shaped
pennate (adj) tapering
perianth (n) the collective parts of the calyx and corolla when these are similar: the outer part of a flower
pericarp (n) the part of a fruit formed from the wall of a ripened ovary
perigone (n) perianth
perigynous (adj) (of stamens) surrounding the pistil
perisperm (n) the nutritive portion of the endosperm of some seeds, that lies outside the embryo-sac.
peristome (n) a fringe of small teeth around the mouth of many nepenthes
persistent (adj) (of leaves etc,) remaining on the plant when dead instead of falling off
personate (adj) of a monopetalous corolla where the lip of which is unequally divided; appearing in the form of a
gaping animal
petal (n) the floral modified leaves of a flower that comprise the corolla
petaloid (adj) resembling a petal in colour or texture
petiolate (adj) relating to, or in the form of a petiole
petiole (n) the usually slender stalk of a leaf
photosynthesis (n) the process whereby sunlight is converted into energy by chlorophyll
phyllodium (n) broad flat leaf produced on Sarracenias instead of pitchers in response to stress or Winter
piliferous (adj) terminationg in a fine, soft hair
Pinguicula (g) a very widespread genus of over 50 species of carnivorous plant with sticky, trapping leaves capable of
limited movement;
Butterwort
pistil (n) the stigma, style and ovary collectively; the female reproductive organs
pitcher (n) a pitfall trap formed from a leaf modified by rolling with the sides fused into a keel
pitcher plant (n) an unspecific name applied to plants of the genera Cephalotus, Heliamphora, Nepenthes and
Sarracenia
placentiform (adj) thick-rimmed round body, concave on upper and lower surfaces
placentation (adj) the formation of ovules on the wall of the ovary
plane (adj) a perfectly flat surface
poculiform (adj) cup-shaped
pollination (n) the process of fertilisation whereby pollen is transferred from the stamen to the stigma
polymorphic (adj) of very variable shape
Polypompholyx (g) a former genus of carnivorous plant from Australia, currently incorporated in Utricularia

praemorsous (adj) bitten; ragged as if chewed
prismatic (adj) prism-shaped; having several longitudinous angles and intermediate flat faces
proboscidate (adj) beaked; similar to corniculate
prostrate (adj) lying horizontally
pruinose (adj) frosted with white powder
pterate (adj) winged, eg: dipterate - 2-winged, tripterate - 3-winged
puberulous (adj) somewhat pubescent
pubescent (n) covered in soft down
pulvinate (adj) convex or slightly so
pungent (adj) tapering evenly to a sharp point
pyriform (adj) pear-shaped; more elongated than turbinate
Q
R
raceme (n) a flower cluster composed of individual florets equally spaced along a stem - often cymose
radical (adj) emerging from the root
radicle (n) the embryonic root; a rootlet
reclinate (adj) curved backwards
reflexed (adj) abruptly reclinate
regular (adj) composed of evenly arranged parts in a symmetrical fashion
reniform (adj) kidney-shaped; an oval with the ends curved around in the same direction
repandate (adj) undulate, but less evenly so
reticulate (adj) forming a network (often of leaf-veins); multiply divided
retuse (adj) a rounded termination with a small notch forming two small lobes; slightly emarginate

hizome (n) an underground plant structure from which both roots and shoots emerge directly
rhomboid (adj) diamond-shaped
rib (n) a leaf-vein; a ridge of plant-tissue thicker than its surrounding
ringent (adj) of a monopetalous corolla where the lip of which is unequally divided; appearing in the form of a gaping
animal
root (n) a plant structure usually providing a plant with anchorage and the ability to absorb water and nutrients from the
soil
rosette (n) a circular growth-pattern with leaves growing radially from a central point; rose-shaped
rostellate (adj) beaked; tapering in a long, hard point
rostrate (adj) beaked; tapering in a long, hard point
rosulate (adj) forming a rosette
rotate (adj) wheel-shaped
rotundate (adj) rounded; imperfectly orbicular; in the form of, or terminated by, an arc
runcinate (adj) in the form of overlapping arrowheads, the backwards-facing barbs usually curved, eg: a dandelion
S
sagittate (adj) in the shape of an arrow head; in the form of two pointed lobes directed bacwards
Sarracenia (g) a genus of 8 species of pitcher plant distributed throughout the South and Eastern coastal regions of the
US and North into
East and Central Canada; Trumpet pitcher
scandent (adj) climbing
scape (n) a long flower stalk arising directly from the root
scapose (adj) of a plant whose flowers are borne on scapes
scarious (adj) having a dry membranous appearance
scrotiform (adj) pouch-shaped; hollow, in the form of a sac
scutate (adj) lenticulate, but with an elevated rim
scutelliform (adj) as patelliform, but oval rather than round
scutellate (adj) shield or saucer shaped
scutiform (adj) lenticulate, but with an elevated rim

seed (n) the sexually-produced embryo and associate protective and nutritive structures capable of developing into a
plant
selliform (adj) saddle-shaped
semilunate (adj) tending towards the form of a crescent moon
semi-terete (adj) flat on one side, terete on the other
sessile (adj) attached directly - stalkless; immobile
sericeous (adj) silky
serrated (adj) furnished with straight-sided teeth
serrulate (adj) minutely serrate
setaceous (adj) having bristles
setiferous (adj) setaceous
setigerous (adj) setaceous
setose (adj) bristly; terminating gradually in a fine sharp bristle
sinuate (adj) lyrate, but with the lobes more equally sized
spathulate (adj) spoon-shaped
species (n) a taxonomic category of similar individuals capable of interbreeding to produce offspring classified within
the same species
specific (adj) pertaining to a species
sphagnum (n) any moss of the genus Sphagnum, sometimes used as a growing medium
spheroid (adj) spherical with slightly flattened ends
spiral (adj) corkscrew-shaped
spur (n) a usually slender hollow projection formed by the fused bases of the lower petals in some flowers notably of
the genera Pinguicula
and Utricularia; a short fruit-bearing stalk
stamen (n) the male sexual organ supporting and incorporating the anther
staminate (adj) of a male flower possessing stamens but not pistils
stellate (adj) star-shaped
stem (n) the main body or stalk of a plant
sterile (n) incapable of engaging in the process of fertilisation
stigma (n) the female organ that receives and is fertilised by pollen
stipe (n) the stalk that supports the carpel
stipule (n) a small modified leaf usually found at the base of a leaf

stolon (n) a horizontal stem that takes root at points along its length to form new plants
stoma (n) a leaf pore
stratification (n) process of refrigerating sown seeds to imitate natural wintering as an aid to germination
strombuliform (adj) shaped like Strombus - a twisted, conical seashell
style (n) the narrow extension of the ovary supporting the stigma
subcordate (adj) in the form of two slightly rounded lobes
subrotundate (adj) less perfectly orbicular than rotundate
subspecies (n) a taxonomic category applied to specimens which form a distinct group within a species, but are not
different enough to be
classed as a species in their own right.
subulate (adj) awl-shaped; slender and tapering to a point
sulcate (adj) grooved lengthwise
T
taeninate (adj) tapeworm-shaped; long and irregularly contracted
temperate (adj) a climatic zone between boreal and tropical
tendril (n) a slender leafless shoot produced by many Nepenthes and other climbing plants as an aid to climbing
tepal (n) any of the modified leaves making up a perianth
terete (adj) smooth and rounded; circular, or nearly so, in section but not necessarily cylindrical
terminal (adj) borne at the end of a stem
terrestrial (adj) growing in the ground
testicular (adj) in the form of two oblong bodies
tetrad (n) a group of four
tomentum (n) matted wolly threads on the surface of leaves and stems
tomentose (adj) covered in tomentum
torose (adj) cylindrical with regular bulges
torulous (adj) knotted; like moniliform, but with uneven bulges
trap (n) a plant structure designed to catch and detain animal prey

trapeziform (adj) in the shape of a four-sided figure with none of the edges being symmetrical
tridentate (adj) forked into three points
trigger hair (n) a specialized structure found in the traps of Dionaea and Aldrovanda which causes the trap to activate in
response to
stimulation
trigonous (adj) of triangular cross-section; three-cornered
Triphyophyllum (g) a monotypic genus native to West Africa - a tall woody vine producing carnivorous leaves before
flowering or in response
to injury
triqueter (adj) three-edged
trochlearate (adj) pulley-shaped; in the form of a pinched circle resembling a figure of eight
tropical (adj) a climatic zone surrounding the equator
truncate (adj) (of leaves etc.) cut off at the end; an abrubt termination as if the tip has been cut cleanly off
tubate (adj) trumpet-shaped
tuber (n) a modified stem used to store food or water by a plant; the hibernating cell-mass of certain Australian sundews
etc.
tubular (adj) forming a hollow nearly true cylinder
tubiform (adj) trumpet-shaped
tubulose (adj) consisting of, or resemblinng, small tubes
turbinate (adj) inversely conical with a contraction towards the point
turgid (adj) swollen
turion (n) a hibernating bud produced by certain aquatic plants from which growth emerges in the following Spring
U
umbonate (adj) bossed; round in shape, with a rounded projection in the centre
umbraculiform (adj) umbrella-shaped
uncate (adj) terminated by a sharply curved hook
uncinate (adj) terminated by a sharply curved hook
undulate (adj) wavy; alternately concave and convex
unequal (adj) unsymmetrical

unequilateral (adj) unsymmetrical
unguiculate (adj) of petals tapering to a narrow base
unilocular (adj) single-chambered
upper pitcher (n) the form of Nepenthes pitcher found on the upper portion of the plant. See also lower pitcher
urceolate (adj) pitcher-shaped; as campaniform, but with the orifice more contracted
Utricularia (g) an extremely widespread genus of over 200 species including aquatic , epiphytic and terrestrial species;
bladderwort
valve (n) a segment into which a dry fruit dehisces
vasculate (adj) vase-shaped; olliform
V
vegetative (adj) concerning the growth of leaves as opposed to flowers; concerning non-sexual reproduction by means
of cuttings, grafting
etc.
vein (n) a rib of tissue, usually in a leaf
venation (n) the arrangement of veins within a leaf
ventricose (adj) distended; inflated
vermiculate (adj) worm-shaped
vernation (n) the arrangement of leaves within a leaf bud
verticil (n) a circular arrangement of parts around an axis; a whorl
vesicle (n) a bladder or other hollow structure aiding flotation
whorl (n) a ring of leaves etc. around a stem
W

X
Y
Z
zone (n) a distinct region esp. of the interior of a pitfall trap, exhibiting characteristics distinct from neighbouring zones
zygote (n) a reproductive cell formed by the merging of two gametes