Soon I realized if I wanted my plants to reach their full potential and grow as large as I had hoped, I needed to know more about each specimen including how they were constructed, where they originated in nature, and what makes them remain healthy.  I needed to know the conditions in which they grow naturally along with how all those strange plant parts perform.  I realized that just knowing a plant by a common name or simply as an “elephant ear” or a Philodendron didn't provide any useful information.  I needed to understand at least portions of some of their scientific background.

I am a serious plant collector so being able to understand the scientific treatment or description of a species is important.  I need to know how to tell one species from another, a petiole from a stem and why a spathe is not a flower.  Even though I am not a botanist I have received training courtesy of some of the world’s top botanists and have learned that self-education and knowledge are the "tools" that can drive misinformation and ignorance from any human mind. 

At first, I only wanted to find the “simple stuff” which was often found on garden websites or in a consumer magazine.   The problem with simple information that is not scientifically written or verified is that much of it is incorrect, especially information published on numerous garden websites.  More often than not that information is composed of little more than casual observation or downright invalid ideas written by a house plant grower that knows little more than the average hobbyist has already discovered.  It is extremely regrettable that this misinformation then becomes "accepted" and is repeated again and again throughout the internet. 

Once you begin to try to understand scientific information you realize the scientists who write these texts and journals are speaking a “language” most of us don't understand.  When a botanist writes it is impossible to explain each and every complex part of a plant using only words of two syllables. Just as your doctor or lawyer uses words, which have no meaning to the untrained, a scientist needs a set of words, which are a scientific form of shorthand.  Those “shorthand” words easily transmit a complex thought to others with similar interest or training. 

As a result words such as “anthesis”, “inflorescence”, “acroscopic” and “intravaginal squamule” had to be contrived, often using descriptive terminology from either Latin or Greek.   The use of the classic languages came about since in previous centuries these were the main common languages that crossed national boundaries.

Ask yourself; do you know the major differences in Anthurium and Philodendron species?  Did you know the definitions of some basic terms could help you learn that one genus has both a geniculum and a collective vein while the other has neither? Just read the definitions below and you'll know how to tell those genera apart!

 Here's an example why understanding scientific terms can be useful to any plant collector: Many collectors believe they are growing Anthurium hookeri in their yard or collection.  Almost every aroid grower believes Anthurium hookeri is a common form of an Anthurium group known as the “birds nest” forms, which belong to Anthurium section Pachyneurium.  If you read Dr. Thomas B. Croat's information in his Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden Volume 78 #3, published in 1991 you'll find this information regarding whether or not the species is a part of section Pachyneurium, “Anthurium hookeri does not belong there. It differs from all species of section Pachyneurium by having supervolute vernation and leaf blades with scalariform secondary venation and glandular punctations on the lower blade surface.”   Supervolute leaves unfold differently than those of all the species in section Pachyneurium since species in section Pachyneurium produce leaves with involute vernation.  So what did Dr. Croat just say?

He just explained the new leaves of Anthurium hookeri open with an arrangement where one edge of the new leaf blade is rolled inward and the opposite is rolled around the midrib with the leaves appearing similar, if cut across, to the coiled whorl of a conch shell.  Still sound confusing?  It really isn't, but you do have to read the definition carefully a few times. He then goes on to say the interprimary lateral leaf veins are scalariforme which means they are evenly spaced like the rungs of a ladder.  Understanding that both supervolute vernation as well as scalariform vein arrangements are not common in the birds nest Anthurium group would be very important to collectors who believe they are growing Anthurium hookeri. 

So what is an interprimary lateral leaf vein?  The definition can be found in this text.  Once you complete reading the opening to this article go down and look up all these terms since they will become even clearer.

Dr. Croat then goes on to describe another important clue to finding if the plant in your collection is the real Anthurium hookeri when he states the leaf blade possesses small black dots known as glandular punctations.  If you do not find these when you carefully examine a specimen believed to be “Anthurium hookeri” you have found that you are not growing the species: in fact, the majority of plants sold in the United States with that name are hybrids which are rarely related to the true species!  These specific points in the description can be important.

It isn't uncommon for sellers on some internet auction sites to offer unknown plants as desirable species, through ignorance or even with intent to deceive.   A few years ago there were aroids being sold on the internet as Anthurium jenmanii, which were demanding a very high price.   Many were caught up in the frenzy only to learn eventually they had bought a completely different species known correctly as Anthurium bonplandii subspecies guayanum. 

One of the keys to recognizing the difference in the two species is that Anthurium bonplandii subsp. guayanum possesses those black dots known as glandular punctates (also found on Anthurium hookeri) while Anthurium jenmanii does not. By reading Dr. Croat's treatments any collector can determine the differences in the two species and may be able to tell if they are about to pay for a specimen that is not what they believe they are about to buy – or at worst, complain when the misnamed species is delivered.

Although scientific terms are frequently based in Latin, this text is not written as a tutorial to pronounce Latin-based terms even though many people are shy about their pronunciation. Many Latin words can be spoken differently depending on a variety of factors.  Some words have also been assimilated into the various languages so that a commonsense approach is all that is needed. 

According to information in W. Sidney Allen, Vox Latina there are multiple sources indicating Latin alphabet was meant to be spoken phonetically and Roman grammarians left surprisingly detailed information about the sounds of their language. If you realize there are at least four rival ways of speaking Latin ranging from classical to the scientific use as well as Church Latin the pronunciation of Latin becomes somewhat less confusing.

When I expressed my concern to my friend Elizabeth Campbell about trying to explain Latin in as simple terms as possible as well as the fact some seem to feel "Latin is a dead language" she responded “If anybody tries to tell you that Latin is a dead language I'd point out that it's very much alive ‑ it's the official language of the Holy See, so the Church is keeping it alive, as do taxonomists the world over and most scholars of the Classics! Botanical Latin is very close to what is called Vulgate or Vulgar (common) Latin by linguists ‑ the structures and declensions of the verbs and pronouns are much simpler than in Church Latin.” 

It is more important we learn to understand and use these terms than to speak them correctly!   The goal is to learn to use and understand them,

Elizabeth has prepared an excellent review of the various forms in which Latin is in common use to this day.  The pronunciation guide to the classical form may be useful since many people feel that these pronunciation rules are superseded by custom in which the names of genera and species, even though they are in Latin form have been absorbed into the language of the country and pronounced very much as they were in that language. Go ahead and do your best, and if the person to whom you speak wishes to correct you, accept the correction and use it (or not) the next time you must say the word.  You will find many aroid descriptions and treatments on the International Aroid Society website at www.Aroid.org  or on the pages of this website.

Just because a botanist doesn't pronounce a word the same way a biologist, the clergy, a Latin teacher or other scientist does not mean anyone is wrong! The differences simply reflect different periods of history. Carl Linnaeus who developed the method of classifying plants and animals as well as other scientific pioneers are not perfectly uniform in the way Latin words are used and as a result they will be spoken differently depending on a variety of factors including the part of the world in which you live. Even in North America words have different pronunciations of English from region to region so it should only be expected that it is impossible to give a uniform method of speaking Latin terms around the globe.

It is simply important you understand the guides offered are only to make the use of these terms simpler when exchanging information with another plant  enthusiast and not an attempt to teach Latin.  Since repetition is a major key to learning the more you say the words as you speak, even incorrectly, the more they will become a natural part of your understanding of the specimens in your collection.

Help using Latin by Elizabeth Campbell

Rather than telling you how to pronounce these terms here are a set of basic rules for Latin pronunciation. Phonetically pronounced terms are from the Greek.

Basic Latin pronunciation is as follows: the stress in words of two syllables is given to the first, and in any word longer than two syllables it is normally given to the second syllable, except where indicated by a diacritic mark (usually an acute accent). There is often minor stress placed on the fourth syllable of words longer than four syllables. Pronunciation is phonetic, and runs in accordance with the following key.

VOWELS follow these rules: 

A   is always pronounced as the a in father

E   is always pronounced as the a in bake; when it appears at the end of a word, it is always pronounced, and never silent. This generally has the effect of adding an extra syllable to the word.

I   is always pronounced as the e's in bees

O  is always pronounced as the o in folk

U  is always pronounced as the o's in ooh

Y   when found as a vowel, is always pronounced as the I in giant

The diphthongs AI and AU deserve special mention; they are pronounced as EYE and OW, respectively. Doubled vowels, as in the II common at the end of Latin botanical species names, are pronounced as two separate vowels with more stress on the first vowel than the second.

CONSONANTS are generally pronounced as in modern English, with the following exceptions.

C   is always hard – it has the same sound as the English K.

G   is always pronounced as the g in great.

H   does not exist as a vocalized letter in the Latin alphabet; accordingly it is silent.

J   does not technically exist in the Latin alphabet; where found it's pronounced as the vowel I.

V   is pronounced as W, and there is no W in the Latin alphabet.

X   is pronounced as Z when it appears at the beginning of a word, and as KS when it appears anywhere else.

The combination of PH is borrowed from Greek, and pronounced as F.

The combination of TH is pronounced as a hard and slightly accented T with the H silent. Hence, Anthurium is pronounced an-TOO-ree-oom. Modern pronunciation, however, uses the Germanic pronunciation of TH as in thorn. Both are correct, with the hard T being more classical.

The combination of QU is pronounced as K.

Doubled letters, like CC and LL, are pronounced twice, just like doubled vowels, with less stress on the second consonant.

However, caveat lector (reader beware):   In common everyday use of botanical terms, it may be more convenient to ignore the Latin pronunciations of G, J, and V as it seems very awkward to Western tongues. Personally, in normal speaking I pronounce the vowels as according to the above key, dropping the final syllable caused by a terminal E, and give all letters other than TH and X their normal Western pronunciations.

For more help with Latin, visit:  Latin Pronunciation Demystified

abaxial (ab-AX-ee-al)

The underside or lower surface of a leaf, petiole or other plant surface See also adaxial

          acroscopic (a-crow-SCOPE-ic)

Meaning to proceed towards the apex (end or tip). Used to describe flowers and pollen that form from the base of a spadix toward the tip. See also basioscopic

          acuminate (ac-CUE-min-ate)

Tapering to a sharp point and becoming increasingly more acute

aculeate (a-CUE-lee-ate)

Prickly pointed or possessing sharp prickles

          acute (a-CUTE)

Gradually tapering to a point with a distinct but not acuminate point. Used for a leaf or any part of a plant. See also acuminate

          adaxial (AD-ax-ee-al)

Facing the stem (the axis). The upper surface of a leaf, petiole or other plant surface. See also abaxial

          adventitious roots (ad-ven-TISH-us)

Growing from a different organ. Adventitious roots are common to many aroids where they form from shoot tissues or grow from an unusual position

          anatomy    (a-NAT-omy)

As opposed to morphology, the study of the relationships of the internal parts of an organism including the arrangement of tissue qnd structural components and cells.  Morphology generally is the study of the external parts of a plant or organism but the two terms are sometimes used synonymously    See Morphology

         annulus   (AN-new-lus)

In aroids, a colored ring or circle often formed at the apex (end or tip) of a petiole at the point where the petiole and leaf blade join.  Can be used to determine some species since an annulus is not present in all species and genera.  The term can have additional definitions in other plant forms

anterior lobe  (an-TEE-ree-or  lobe)

The portion of the leaf blade above the point of attachment of the petiole known as the petiolar insertion. Also known as terminal lobe(s)     See also Lobes and Posterior lobes

apex (A-pex)

The point or tip of a leaf blade, cataphyll, root, spadix or other part of a plant

          apical meristem  (see Meristem)

appressed (a-PRESSED)

From the Latin appressus, the past participle of appremere meaning to press closely to another object. In aroids refers to plant parts such as the stem which grow pressed closely against the surface of a host (tree, stone, etc.) for much of its length.  Juvenile plants such as Monstera dubia are well known as being so tightly appressed they often appear to be "painted" on a wall or tree



        Araceae 
         (a-RAY-see-eh, some use a-RA-kay-eye)

A family of approximately 3800 species in 116-120 genera commonly known as aroids. An aroid is a plant that reproduces with an inflorescence including a spadix surrounded by a modified leaf known as a spathe. The spadix is a central fleshy spike on which both sexes of imperfect flowers with a single sex (male or female) as well as perfect flowers containing both sexes are formed. The only exception is the genus Lemna and its relatives known as “duckweeds”

arborescent (ar-bor-ES-ent)

Growth that is tree-like as well as sometimes called self heading when used to describe the stem of Philodendron subgenus Meconostigma species.

areole or areolate   (areo-LATE)

Surrounded by veins.

          areolar glands   (areo-LAR glands)

In botany, the extra-floral nectaries located in Cactus and other genera in the tubercle groves or in the axils. These glands exude a thick juice known as a nectar that has a high sugar content. It is assumed by most researchers the nectar is a highly developed strategy for the attraction of ants.   See also Extra-floral nectaries

aroid   (AIR-oid)

Common name for plants in the family Araceae

          articulated

          asexual

The formation of new individuals from the parent plant without the involvement of sexual reproduction.  Includes such reproductive processes as offsets produced adjacent to the parent

          asperous  (AS-per-us)

Minutely roughened, slightly rough to the touch

          atypical  (ah-TYPE-ee-cal,  but more commonly spoken as  a-TIP-ee-cal)

Does not conform to the type or the norm.  Irregular, unusual, not normal

auriculate (or-IC-you-late)

Having “ears” or earlobe-shaped lobe extensions at the base of the blade. See lobe

          autotroph (AUTO-trough)

Autotrophs create their own food by utilizing photosynthesis.  The process is completed through the reduction of carbon dioxide by adding hydrogen in water (H2O) to create organic compounds.  The process is also known as CO2 Fixation or the PCR Cycle (Photosynthetic Carbon Reduction).   In green plants an autotroph converts physical energy from sun light into carbohydrates in the form of sugars  In biology the term reduction indicates the hydrogen is molecularly stripped away from the oxygen. They may also form chemical energy by synthesizing complex organic compounds from simple inorganic materials in order to produce fats and proteins from light. The process is also known as being autotrophic    See also Photosynthesis
 

auxins  (OX-ins) or (OWKS-ins)
the former is American, the latter British

Hormones formed in the growing points of stems and roots, which promote or inhibit cellular growth in plants. Low concentrations normally produce growth while higher concentrations inhibit growth.

B

         basal rib or basal vein (BAY-sal RIB)

Usually called the posterior rib and it is simply the fusion of 1 or more of the basal veins

         basionym (BA-see-o-nim)

The first valid name applied to a taxon, which may or may not have been accepted by later workers as a result of their research.  from the Greek bainein, (step) and Latin nomen or nym (name). Basionym indicates a basic step or first step in the naming process

          basioscopic (ba-see-o-SCOP-ic) or (ba-see-o-SCOPE-ic)

Forming towards the base. Used to describe flowers and pollen that form from the apex (tip) of a spadix toward the base. See also acroscopic

          bicarinate  (bee-CAR-ee-nate)

 To possess two keel-like projections
 

bicolorous (bi-COLOR-os)

Possessing two colors and applied to a single structure, usually a leaf blade

The two-name system in which the more explicit second part “species epithet” names a member of the broader category “genus”  From the Latin nomen or nym (name)

bipinnate  (bi-PIN-ate)

A doubly compound leaf blade in which the primary divisions are pinnae (feather-like) possessing secondary feather-like structures

bipinnatifid  bi-pin-AT-if-id)

A leaf similar to one which is bipinnate but with the divisions not forming distinct leaflets but rather areas separated by deep incursions from the margin (edge)

Bisexual flowers have the stamens (male organs) surrounding a single ovary (female organ)

bisexual inflorescence  (bi-SEX-you-all in-flor-ES-sense)

An inflorescence possessing perfect flowers or protogynous flowers containing both male and female parts together throughout the length of the spadix. In aroid species the female flowers of a perfect flower are receptive prior to the production of pollen to preclude self-pollination.  Bisexual species include Anthurium, Monstera, Dracontium, Stenospermation, Heteropsis, Rhodospatha, Spathiphyllum and others. See also unisexual inflorescence, florets and protogynous

 
          blade

The flattened part of a leaf also referred to as a lamina.

bract 

A modified leaf with a flower or inflorescence at the axis (tip). Often but not always different in form, color, size and texture from foliage leaves.  Usually associated with much smaller modified leaves. The term is used for structures that serve many purposes including a reduced leaf below a flower or inflorescence
See Inflorescence 

          bud

An immature shoot protected by tough scale-like leaves from which the stem and petioles bearing leaves or a peduncle bearing an inflorescence can develop

bulb

An underground storage structure that is a condensed stem usually with a basal plate and fleshy storage leaves surrounding the bud that will form the next plant. A bulb is a storage structure used to store starches and water and is the central support of the plant.  A bulb normally has a basal plate and true bulbs have the roots growing from the bottom.  Bulbs also have layers of fleshy storage leaves surrounding the bud that will form the next plant.  The modified leaves are arranged in layers that are used for food storage.  The perfect example of a bulb is an onion, just slice one open and you can easily see the modified leaf layers.  The term bulb is used mostly in horticulture but never applies scientifically to an aroid including Colocasia or Amorphophallus species.  See stem

bullate  (BULL-ate) or (BULE-ate)

A surface with a blister-like appearance or having blister-like swellings.

 

C

           caducous

Describing parts that soon drop off or fall off easily or at an early stage

canaliculate  (can-al-IC-you-late)

A channeled or furrowed groove seen in the surface of a plant part such as the petiole or midrib of a leaf blade. See also sulcate and sulcus
 

carpel  (CAR-pell)

The part of the female reproductive organs of a flower composed of a chamber then ovary with one or more ovules. After successful pollination this becomes part of the fruit

cataphyll (commonly (KA-ta-fill or KA-ta-feel)

A bract-like modified leaf, which surrounds any newly developing leaf to protect an emerging blade as it develops. A cataphyll may be unribbed as well as single or double ribbed and in some genera have important characteristics used to determine the species
 

caudex (commonly (CAW-dex or COW-dex)

The thickened base of a stem from which new leaves and reproductive parts may arise. It may be an underground or at ground level and the principal purpose is not water storage but is instead a stem that has roots at all the internodes in contrast to most plants which have the stem and roots completely separated

A chimera is a plant or part of a plant such as a leaf blade that is composed of layers that are genetically different and whose apical meristem is composed of two different types of tissues, one pigmented and one not pigmented.  The most common form is a variegated plant where the leaf may be partially white or yellowish as a result of a lack of the ability to synthesize chlorophyll. These white and yellow patterns are caused by tissues without chlorophyll or other plant pigments. This is normally due to defective tissue formed without pigments since the meristem that produced them lacks cells containing pigments.  This kind of chimaral variegation is not stable and morphs as the plant grows. Many popular foliage plants including some commonly available aroids are chimeras and many are artificially created in tissue culture laboratories rather than by nature via the introduction of a harmless virus known as the Colour Break Virus which inhibits the growth of chlorophyll in parts of the plant including the leaf, stem and petiole. The Colour Break virus is often unstable and in many cases the variegation fades in time. Chimeras are also commonly seen in nature but neither chimeral variegation nor viral variegation is commonly passed along through seeds      See also Photosynthesis

          chloroplast   (KLAWR-uh-plast)

Chloroplasts are chlorophyll enriched plastids surrounded by a double membrane that cause plants to appear green.  They are the organelles (plastids) found in plant cells that produce photosynthesis.  An organelle is a specialized sub-unit within a cell that has a specific function and in this case is the site where photosynthesis occurs.  Chloroplasts are found in the majority of the cells of autotrophic plants that are exposed to light.  Autotrophic indicates an organism that does not require other living organisms for food since they are capable of generating their own food from a living source including sunlight, water and gases including CO2 through a process known as  CO2 Fixation.  Photosynthesis then occurs when water molecules are split through a reaction with CO2.  The chlorophyll found in the leaves then releases the oxygen to the environment as a bi-product resulting in the production of carbohydrates in the form of sugars that provide nourishment (thus growth) in the plant.   Plants do not "make" oxygen, they release it as a result of the process of CO2 Fixation.  See Autotroph and Photosynthesis

          cladode (same as phylloclade)

A specialized stem that functions much like a leaf.  The flattened photosynthetic organ of some plants in the cactus family (Cactaceae) including those in the genus Epiphyllum. A cladode is not a leaf even though in some species they often resemble and serve some of the purposes of a leaf.  Instead a cladode serves as a swollen water storage stem segment

          clathrate scale

clone

A genetically identical descendant of a single plant

collective vein

Collective veins come in pairs and are simply the union of part of all of the primary lateral veins and extend all the way to the apex (end or tip). A submarginal vein (not touching the edge) that lies parallel as well as near the leaf margin into which the primary lateral veins run. The collective vein may be a continuation of a primary lateral leaf vein often the lowermost or the uppermost basil vein and are observed in Anthurium, Syngonium, Alocasia, Colocasia, Xanthosoma, Pycnospatha, Arisaema, Protarum, some Amorphophallus and other genera

Uniformly colored, as in the upper or lower surface of a leaf blade possessing a single color

convex  (CON-vex)

Curved or bowed outwards

          convolute vernation (con-vol-UTE vern-A-shun)

Used to describe a newly unfurling leaf blade which has one half wholly rolled up in the other presenting itself as a tube.  Convolute vernation occurs when several leaves spiral with the next leaf in a module enclosed within the current leaf. Synonymous with supervolute vernation but there is a slight difference since convolute involves a succession of leaves being formed as can be seen in the drawing to the right. See also Supervolute vernation and Involute vernation

cordate  (CORD-ate)

Heart-shaped, as in a heart-shaped leaf blade

coriaceous (cor-ee-A-shus)
 

Used to describe a leaf blade that feels leather-like or resembles the texture of leather while remaining flexible.
See also subcoriaceous
 

 corm

A somewhat controversial term not often used in aroid botany. Best described as an underground storage organ formed from a swollen stem base to which the above ground parts of the plant die back in the dormant season . A corm may function as vegetative reproduction organ which bears adventitious roots and scale leaves.  Normally renewed annually with each new corm forming on top of the proceeding corm.   A corm often stores starch and when the corm re-grows foliage the new growth will come from the top with the roots growing from its base.  The roots of a corm always grow from the bottom, never from the top.  Bananas grow from corms as do Gladiolas but the term corm is not scientifically appropriate for an aroid according to more than a few top aroid botanists.  There are a select number of aroid species that have a corm-like tuber but the majority of scientists agree the term does not apply in the family Araceae (aroids).  Although technically different from a tuber some authors still use corm and tuber interchangeably  

cortex

The outer layer of a plant organ, especially a stem or root

cotyledons  (cot-LAY-dons)

An embryonic seed leaf, which, after germination, either remains in the seed or emerges to, becomes green. Commonly monocots produce a single leaf while dicots commonly produce two, however there are exceptions. See monocot and dicot

          cuneate  (CUE-ne-ate)　

Describing a leaf that is Inversely triangular (upside down) with the wedge tapering towards the base of the leaf lamina.  A cuneate leaf is attached at the narrowest point of the leaf.  See also lamina

 
        cuspidate  (CUS-pid-ate)

Sharply pointed, such as in the apex or point of a leaf.

D

deciduous  (de-SID-you-us)

The shedding of leaves in a perennial plant. In aroids usually in the dry season to bring about a reduction of water loss through transpiration when little or no water is available to a specimen's roots.  In botany, deciduous plants including trees and herbaceous perennials including those that lose all of their leaves for part of the year. Deciduousness denotes the plant is entering a period of survival as a reuslt of winter or a period of tropical dryness. During this period growth is generally significantly reduced or near dormant as is the production of reproductive organs. Once photosynthesis is interrupted due to a lack of available moisture the plant goes into a survival mode commonly known as dormancy and sheds all the leaves until adequate rainfall, warmth and sunlight return. The purpose is largely to the preservation of the plant's life as a result of an inadequate source of food, moisture or extreme cold. Stored carbohydrates within the plant that were created while photosynthesis within the leaves was active to provide the nourishment for survival and must then be preserved.  See transpiration and photosynthesis

dicots or dicotyledons  (DIE-cot) / (di-COT-ley-dons)

Flowering plants that typically have two embryonic leaves although sometimes more

dimorphic roots  (di-MORF-ic roots)

A root system with two distinct forms adapted to perform different functions such as anchor root and feeder roots. Many aroids possess dimorphic roots

          divaricate (dee-VAR-ee-cate)

A distinctive form of wide angle branching.  Extremely divergent or spreading widely

 E


       ellipsoid  (el-LIPS-oid)

Generally egg-shaped but the strict mathematical definition is more complicated. See also globose.

elliptic  (el-LIP-tic)

Having a shape that is rounded at each end more or less equally. Compare with ovate

endemic  (en-DEM-ic)

A plant species whose natural distribution is limited to a particular area or locality

          epidermal

the outer-most cellular layer of the primary plant body

epigeal (commonly epi-JEE-al or epi-GAY-el)

Occurring or growing above ground. Commonly referring to a form of seed germination with the emergence of cotyledons above the surface of the ground after germination. See cotyledons

epiphyte  (EPI-fite)

A plant that does not have roots in the soil living above the ground's surface supported by another plant, normally a tree. Epiphytes gather nutrients and water from the air or from organic debris left by the host or rain forest animals including birds, reptiles and animals. See also hemiepiphyte 

epilithic  (epi-LITH-ic)

Plants that grows on or attached to the surface of a rock or stone
 

epipelic   (epi-PEL-ic)

A condition meaning to grow in mud

epipetric  (epi-PET-ric)

Capable of growing on or creeping over rocks

extra-floral nectary

A nectary born outside a flower, in aroids sometimes on the peduncle, stems, leaves as splotches with the color of a purple/reddish wine stain. Although nectaries secrete sweet liquids to attract pollinators an extra-floral nectary does not produce its liquid for the purpose of pollination but are often associated with ants and other animals that may provide an antiherbivore service. Extrafloral nectaries may also be found on the reproductive parts of a plant    See also nectary, vinaceous and rachis

F
 

fenestration   (fen-es-TRAY-shun)

Holes in the leaves or membranes. Commonly associated with the leaves of the genus Monstera. From the Latin fenestratus past participle of fenestrate meaning to possess openings or windows

fertilization    (in the sense of leading to seed  production)

The union of sperm and egg to form seed.  After pollen grains formed by the male flowers of an aroid containing the male gametes (sexual cell) or sperm are transferred by an insect, small bird or other pollinator to the stigma of a female flower, they grow into the interior of the carpel and to the ovule (the female gamete). See also carpel, anthesis, stigma and ovule

        flagella  plural of flagellum. (flag-EL-a) / (flag-EL-um) or (fla-GEL-um)

Moveable filementacious thread-like or tail-like structures that projects up to 150 mm in length. Differentiated from cilia, which are shorter, being 5-10 mm in length

floral chamber

A specialized chamber at the base of a spathe associated with the inflorescences of Araceae including Philodendron, Alocasia and other genera. The floral chamber effectively hides the female and sterile male flowers and may channel the access of pollinators. Until pollination is complete the chamber may close at its apex (end or tip) preventing or slowing the escape of a pollinating insect. The spathe of Alocasia species is divided into a convolute (twisted) thicker lower portion which once the upper spathe dies encloses a fruiting region of the spadix which will eventually produce fruit (berries). The two zones of the spathe can be recognized by a narrowed constriction making the lower part containing the floral chamber appears globose or rounded to ovoid.   See also spathe, spadix, and globose

floret

One of the individual small flowers of a cluster of flowers in an inflorescence

          flower

The reproductive portion of a plant destined to produce seed. In Araceae a flower contains either male or female organs or both. A flower with both sex organs is said to be perfect while a flower with only one sex is imperfect

forelobe (see anterior lobe)

         frond

　The often large divided or compound leaf of a fern or palm or cycad  See also Compound leaf, Sori and Shield frond

G


         geniculum  (gen-IC-you-lum, sometimes jen-IC-you-lum)

A wrist-like organ located at the apex (end or tip) of the petiole. The geniculum allows a leaf to rotate and orient itself in order to control to a degree the sunlight which it receives. Unique to Anthurium, Spathiphyllum and a select number of aroid genera the term is also used similarly in a few other families

genus  plural genera  (JEE-nus)   (JEE-ner-ah) 

A group of plants defined by common characteristics and divided into subordinate species. Always designated by a Latin or Latinized capitalized singular noun

glabrous  (GLAB-rus)

A plant surface such as a leaf that is smooth and devoid of projections including pubescence. See pubescence

glandular punctates  (GLAN-du-lar PUNK-tates)

Sometimes observed on the leaf blades of aroids, which are marked by small spots, pores or point-like depressions. Usually restricted to section Porphyrochitonium, Tetraspermium and Digittinervium but something like glandular punctations are present on sect. Calomystrium and sect. Urospadix (and Anthurium hookeri). The punctations on Anthurium bonplandii are not glands but rather unusual pustules.  See photo, top of page

globose (GLOW-bose)

A ball-shaped part or organ of a plant, such as pollen granules, fruits or seeds

          guttation  (gut-A-shun)

Derived from the Latin gutta (gut-TA) meaning droplet. Aroids and other plant species possess glands known as hydathodes capable of producing clear liquids during periods of low temperatures and still air motion. It is distinct from transpiration in which moisture in the blade passes through pores of the leaf blade and evaporates, an essential part of moving water from roots to leaves. See also Transpiration

gynoecium  (guy-no-EE-see-um)

The collective term for the female reproductive portions of a flower.

H

hastate (HASS-tate)

A leaf blade possessing the shape of an arrowhead or spear with the basal lobes pointing outward at right angles

hemiepiphyte  (HEMI-epi-fite)

Plants rooted in the soil but relying on the tree for support and growth. Primary hemiepiphytes begin as seeds in the droppings of a rain forest inhabitant which germinate on the trunk or limbs of a tree as do an epiphyte, then develop long roots which eventually reach the ground. In this way they attain height in the forest as quickly as possible in order to reach brighter light. The second type known as secondary hemiepiphytes start their lives in the soil or on a tree trunk near the ground and then send roots to the ground to gather additional nutrients. They then climb the host where they morph into the adult form and sometimes completely lose their connection to the ground at which point they then become epiphytes    See Epiphytes

heterophylly or heterophyllus (het-er-O-file-ee and het-er-o-FILL-us)

Possessing differently shaped leaves on the same specimen

hippocrepicus or hippocrepiform   
              (hip-o-CREP-ic-us or hip-o-CREP-if-orm), technically but rarely used (eep-o-CRAPE-eek-oos or eep-o-CRAPE-ee-form)

Bent almost into the shape of a circle while still possessing a distinct opening somewhat like the shape of a horse shoe

          homeosis

In botany homeosis is the transformation of one body part into another generally as a result of mutation.  In plants it is defined as the complete or partial replacement of one organ by a different organ and is believed to play a significant role in the ontogeny and phylogeny of reproductive organs.  Homeosis has been studied In Araceae in the inflorescences of Philodendron and other genera and the concept is used largely in molecular biology.   See Ontogeny and Phylogeny

          homology    (ho-MAH-lo-gee)　

The likeness or similarity of different organisms that may carry out different functions such as human arm and the wing of a bird or the structural similarities between parts of differing plants.  Often described as a result of evolutionary differentiation.  Normally applied to corresponding parts with a common ancestral similarity that may be attributed to a common origin

         hybrid   (HI-brid)         

Plant offspring resulting from the cross-pollination between parents of different species or sub-species

hydathode (HI-da-thode)

A secretory structure found at the tip of a leaf that excretes water on the blade surface through the process of guttation. See also guttation

 I
 

inflorescence  (in-flor-ES-sense)

A group or cluster of flowers such as the collective structure of an aroid's spathe and spadix. An inflorescence is not a flower but is instead a group of flowers that form along the spadix.  Some produce imperfect flowers with the sexes divided while others produce perfect flowers with both sexes in a single flower.  See also flower, spathe and spadix


 

infructescence  (in-fruct-ES-sense) or
                                          (in-fruit-ES-sense)

A fruit-bearing former inflorescence once it has been  pollinated.  The berries that form on the spadix of an aroid contain seeds that are spread by birds, insects and mammals and other animals through the forest

internode (INTER-node)

Stem segments or sections that lie between nodes. Internode measurements are used to define or determine the species in some cases. See also node and stem

interprimary leaf vein  (inter-PRI-mary leaf vein)

Secondary veins of slightly lesser prominence found between the primary leaf veins but of larger size than the smaller tertiary veins. See also primary leaf veins and tertiary leaf veins

intravaginal squamulae  (INTRA-va-gin-al SQUA-mules)

Small, pointed structures borne in rows around the stem at the base of and inside the petiole sheath with each petiole possessing a separate row of scales. They are not easily visible until the leaves fall off the stem so they are exposed. While they are frequently present on Philodendron subgenus Philodendron they are so tiny as be difficult to observe. Alternatively, on subgenus Meconostigma they are large and usually highly different from species to species. The literal meaning is scales inside the sheath

 
         involute vernation   (IN-vo-lute ver-NATION)

A type of in bud leaf folding, which emerges from the cataphyll. Observed when a newly developing leaf emerges from the cataphyll with both margins (edges) on opposing sides of the leaf blade rolled separately forming two inward facing tubes that meet at the midrib of the leaf.   Aroids in the genus Lagenandra, Anthurium section Pachyneurium as well as species in the genus Amorphophallus exhibit involute vernation. See also Convolute vernation and Supervolute vernation.

L

lamina  (LA-min-a) 

The blade of a leaf. From the Latin lamina meaning a blade or a thin plate

lanceolate   (LANCE-ee-o-late)

Often used to describe a long thin very narrowly ovate leaf blade, broadest in the lower half and narrowly pointed.  May be used to describe any long, thin part of a plant

          leaflet  

The leaf-like blades of a compound leaf, sometimes supported by a petiolule.  See compound leaf and petiolule

leaf margin

The edge of the leaf.


 

leaf scars

The mark left on a stem after a petiole and leaf falls. Leaf scars can be sometimes be used to identify a species

          leptocaul

To possess a thin stem that is capable of quickly overgrowing other species. Leptocaul plants often dominate in temperate and subtropical climates

          leucoplast   (LU-ko-plast)

Leucoplasts are a category of small non-pigmented clear structures known as plastids (organelles) in plant cells which have various functions but no color.  An organelle is a specialized sub-unit within a cell that has a specific function. These colorless plastids are found in the cells of roots and the underground storage organs including underground stems such as tubers, bulbs and corms. They are involved in the storage functions of these organs including the storage of foods such as starches, lipids and proteins however some have no involvement at all in the storage process but instead process fatty acids as well as amino acids. Typically leucoplasts are much smaller than chloroplasts and have no involvement in the photosynthesis in the leaves of plants including variegation although an article in The Botanical Review, Vol 55, April-June, 1989 No. 2 entitled The History of Research on White-green Variegated does define it as such.  The term is rarely used in aroid literature    See also Photosynthesis

          ligulate   (LIG-you-late)

Shaped like a small tongue or strap  See also Ligule

         ligule or ligular   (LIG-ule, LIG-you-lar)

A small tongue-like or strap-like structure such as the corolla of a ray of the florets of the inflorescences of some genera including some aroids. A scale-like membrane that covers surface of a leaf See also Corolla, florets and inflorescence

linear or lineate  (LIN-ee-ar) and (LIN-ee-ate)

In a line or streak, also a long thin leaf shape

 

Linnaean taxonomy  (lin-EH-an tax-ON-o-me)

The classification system developed by Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778), which was, described in his Systema Naturae (1735) as well as other works. Linnaeus developed Kingdoms (Animalia and Plantae) divided into classes, orders, genera (plural of genus), and species

lithophyte  (LITH-o-fite)

A plant that grows with its roots attached to rocks. 


 

lobe

A subdivision of a leaf  See also Anterior lobe, Posterior lobe

         locule  (LOKE-you'll)

A cavity or chamber within the ovary of a female flower. A simple ovary has a single locule while a compound ovary has more than one. The number of locules is usually the same as the number of carpels. From the Latin loculus meaning little place. See also carpel

M

maculate  (MA-cu-late) or (MA-cu-lat)

Spotted or mottled with irregular spots. From the Latin maculatus past participle of macula meaning to stain

marcescence  (mar-ES-sense)

Leaves, which die early but do not immediately fall from the plant

membranaceous  (mem-bran-EH-shus)

Possessing the consistence of a membrane. Thin and sometimes semi-transparent

          meristem (MER-ee-stem) or apical meristem

The tissue in all plants capable of dividing to form new cells known as meristematic cells, Meristematic cells are located in areas of the plant where growth can take place including the axilary buds. The meristem is a group of plant cells that may divide indefinitely to provide new cells for plant growth. Some meristematic zones are the cambium layer (the layer of actively dividing cells beneath the bark of a tree or bush that form xylem tissues), shoot tips, root tips, and buds. An apical meristem is situated at the apex which is at both root and shoot tips. Lateral meristem is found in the vascular and cork cambia while intercalary meristem is found at internodes or stem regions between the points where the leaves and leaf bases attach.  Shoot and shoot tip culture of excised meristems placed and grown in a suitable nutrient media is known as tissue culture where the actively growing tissue is used to artificial clone or micro-propagation of ornamental plants. See also Tissue Culture, Stems, and Clone

 

mesocarp  (MES-o-carp) or (ME-so-carp) the latter British

Part of a layer within the fruit, which surrounds the seed, typically the part that is most edible or delicious. The result is often to allow the bird or animal to pass the undigested seed through their digestive system and thus spread it through the forest. See also pericarp

          metamorphoses   (met-a-MOR-ho-is)

Not normally used in relationship to plants. A change in appearance, character, condition, or function such as a change in the form and habits of an animal during normal development.  Metamorphosis includes such changes as the transformation of a tadpole into a frog.  In plants metamorphosis is normally referred to as ontogeny.  See Ontogeny

          metallophytes  (see Ultramafic)

midrib

The thick central vein which separates the two halves of the leaf. It mechanically supports the leaf as well as being the means for transport of nutrients and water.  See also Primary lateral veins

monocot or monocotyledons    (MO-no-cot) and (mo-no-COT-lay-dons)

One of two major flowering plant groups with the monocot group containing 50,000 to 60,000 species. Monocots are traditionally recognized by having a single seedling leaf (cotyledon). See also dicots and cotyledon

monopodial  (mo-no-PO-dee-al)

A stem growth type. Monopodial growth is when a stem continues to grow from the tip even if it also produces side branches. See also sympodial

morphogenesis  (mor-fo-GEN-e-sis)

The progressive change during the growth and formation of an organism, which includes differentiation and the change of both tissues and organs during their development

          morphology   (mor-FOL-o-gee)

The study of the external form and structure of an organism or one of its parts as opposed to the study of the internal parts known as anatomy, however sometimes used synonymously.  Sometimes used to describe the structure of an animal, plant or their individual parts such as a cell while describing their varieties, homology, and metamorphoses, yet distinct from their dissected anatomy. A branch of biology that deals with the form and structure of organisms without necessarily considering their function.  See Anatomy

myrmecophyte  (meer-ME-co-fite)

A plant that lives associated with a colony of ants and possesses specialized organs that provide shelter and/or food for the ants. There are often extrafloral nectarines or other tissue from which the ants may draw nourishment. The plant benefits by the protection from predators that the fierce ants provide. See extrafloral nectary

N
 

nectar

A juice, free flowing or viscous (sticky), with a high sugar content which often serves to attract pollinators

nectary

A gland or gland-like organ (either raised or depressed) capable of secreting a juice known as nectar with a high sugar content normally serving to attract a pollinator but which may be used to entice an insect or animal to thwart predation such as foraging against the plant as in an extrafloral nectary. See also extra-floral nectary

Neotropical

The Neotropic or Neotropical zone is one of eight terrestrial ecozones found on our planet. The Neotropics includes South and Central America, southern Mexico, the Caribbean islands, and southern Florida. Neo means new, as in New World


 

node

The point on the stem where leaves, cataphylls and usually roots arise in contrast to the intervening region which are called the internodes. 

O

oblanceolate  (ob-LANCE-ee-o-late)

A reversed lanceolate or lance shaped leaf, which is attached to the petiole by the pointed end with the end of the leaf lamina being oblong-rounded. See also lanceolate

obovoid  (ob-O-void)

A leaf with the shape opposite to ovoid, as to have such as having the wider part of the blade towards the tip.  Sometimes described as obovate

obtuse  (ob-TUSE)

A plant part or organ having a blunt or rounded (rather than sharply pointed) tip.  Used to describe a leaf that is rounded at the apex (end or tip) and also a blunt angle at which one structure leaves another

 

ontogeny  (ont-O-gen-ee)

The life cycle or course of development of any organism from the moment the seed or egg is fertilized up through adulthood. A specialized use in Araceae describes the multiple changes in the development of a leaf blade from the juvenile through the adult form

          organelle

An organelle is a plastid or specialized sub-unit within a cell that has a specific function and may be responsible for photosynthesis, storage functions including the storage of foods such as starches, lipids and proteins and for their synthesis        

          ovary 

The enlarged rounded basal portion of a carpel or a group of fused carpels (pistils) found in the flower, which contains one or more egg cells known as ovules. See also carpel, pistil, ovule

ovate  (O-vate)

In botany used to describe a plant part that is egg-shaped (broad and rounded) at the base while tapering toward the apex (end or tip)

ovoid  (O-void)

Used to describe a fruit or plant organ that is egg-shaped in three dimensions

         ovule   (OV-you'll)

A minute structure that contains the embryo sac surrounding a nucleus which develops into a seed once fertilized with pollen

P

          pachycaul    PACKY-call

From the Greek "Pachy" meaning thick, stout or to have thick skin. To possess a thickened stem.

palmate  (palm-ATE)

Leaflets coming from a single point where the petiole joins the blade or deep divisions in the leaf blade, whose main veins arise at one point, to give some resemblance to a hand.  See also pinnate
 

          papilla or papillose   pa-Pil-la or pahp-IL-lose)

From the Latin meaning "nipple". A small blunt projection, normally from a cell, a type of trichome often covered with wax. Suspected to protect from sunlight and the loss of moisture. Papillose is to possess a small blunt projection.

papyraceous  (pa-pee-RAY-shus) or (pa-per-EH-shus)

Texture resembling paper or parchment

 
parallel venation

The arrangement of leaf veins when they are parallel. The venation is parallel if it does not branch regardless of where it is directed.  In Philodendron the minor veins are parallel and the venation does not go just to the apex (end or tip.   See venation

          PCR Cycle (Photosynthetic Carbon Reduction)   See Autotroph

          pedate, pedately lobed, padatisect   (PAHD-ate, PAHD-ately, pah-DAT-ee-sect)

To be palmately divided or have palmately divided lobes. A leaf having deeply divided radiating lobes. Pedatisect is to have the leaf venation pedate    See also Palmate, pedate and venation

          pedicel   (PAHD-ee-cel)

The support of a single flower.  May be applied to any flower

peduncle  (PED-uncle)

The stalk the supports the inflorescence of an aroid

 
peltate   (PEL-tate)

A leaf, often more or less circular, with the petiole attached to the undersurface rather than the base

pendent leaf

A leaf that hangs downward

perianth  (PERI-anth)

The outer whorls (layers) of a flower. Sometimes called the perigone in some aroid genera and species.

pericarp  (PERI-carp)

The outer layer of the fruit wall. See also mesocarp

petiole  (PET-ee-ole)

A part of a leaf, the stalk that attaches a leaf blade to the stem. The structure of the petiole is important to the identification of a species since it may be terete (round), square, quadrangular or have other shapes as well as possess lines known as striations, single or multiple canals known as a sulcus (then said to be sulcate) as well as other unique features. Plant collectors often incorrectly call a petiole a “stem”. See also stem, sulcus and sulcate

          petiolule   (PET-ee-ole-lule)

The stalk of a leaflet in a compound leaf.  Part of the leaflet.  See petiole and compound leaf

Winged extensions at the sides of the petiole that may envelop a newly developing leaf blade

petiolar insertion  (pet-ee-OL-insertion)

The point where the petiole and leaf blade join

pheromone  (FAIR-o-mone), sometimes also (FAIR-mone)

An often-fragrant perfume-like scent produced by various parts of the plant during anthesis to attract potential pollinators. See also thermogenesis

         photosynthesis   (pho-to-SYN-the-sis)

In green plants and some other organisms including algae and specialized bacteria, photosynthesis is a chemical reaction caused by the interaction of chlorophyll within the plant and the sun's light combined with carbon dioxide, inorganic salts and water to produce carbohydrates.  In green plants the autotrophic process converts physical energy from sun light into carbohydrates in the form of sugars.   The process is also known as CO2 Fixation or the PCR Cycle (Photosynthetic Carbon Reduction).  The biological term reduction indicates the hydrogen is molecularly stripped away from the oxygen.  These sugars are produced for the purpose of providing energy and food to the plant, thus growth.  Most forms of photosynthesis also release oxygen to the atmosphere as a byproduct.  Photosynthesis actually occurs within cellular chloroplasts and for each individual plant species there is a minimum and a maximum temperature below or above which photosynthesis does not occur.   Tropical plant species are far more limited in their range of temperature related photosynthesis than are temperate plant species that thrive in colder climates.   See also Autotroph and Chloroplast

          phylloclade  (see cladode)

          phylogeny  (phy-LOG-any)

The ancestral history of a species as deduced by their development. The evolutionary relationship or history of taxonomic levels, particularly their lines of descent.   A tribe.

pinnate or pinnatifid  (PIN-eh) (PIN-ate) (pin-AT-if-id)

A leaf with leaflets arranged more or less like a feather is said to be pinnate. A single leaf with divisions reaching almost to the midrib is pinnatifid. See also palmate

pistil  (PIS-til)

The female, ovule-bearing organ of a flower, made up of the stigma, style, and ovary

          plastid (PLAS-tid)

Plastids are organelles in plant cells which have various functions..  See also organelle

pollen

A fine to coarse powder (pollen grains) that produce the male gametes (sperm cells) of seed plants Sometimes appears as strings

pollination

The process through which pollen is transferred at male anthesis to a plant of the same or similar species currently at female anthesis, thus enabling fertilization and sexual reproduction. See also Fertilization

          polyphyllous

Many leaved.

          polyploid  (POLY-ploid)

A polyploid is an organism that has extra sets of chromosomes. Polyploidy can cause oddities including a difference in size

posterior lobe

Paired portions of the leaf blade below the point where the petiole joins the leaf known as the petiole insertion. In genera such as Anthurium it may appear the posterior lobes are above the point of the petiole insertion due to the bend at the geniculum. Also known as Anterior lobes.
 

primary lateral leaf vein

The veins branching off the midrib and extending to the margins

          prominulous   (pro-MIN-u-lus)

Weakly raised, standing out just a bit, as in a slightly raised leaf vein.

 

prophyll  (PRO-fill)

A leaf formed at the base of a shoot, often smaller or of a different form to those produced later.  A double ribbed cataphyll

          protogynous   [proh-tuh-JAHY-ous)　

A flower in which the receptive female stigma is spent before the pollen is shed from the anthers of the same flower. Typical of bisexual flowers in the family Araceae (aroids) /see Bisexual flowers

          proximal

Indicating the part of a plant organ that is closest to its point of attachment. (As opposed to distal)   See also Distal

pubescence  (p'you-BES-sense)

Hair-like growth sometimes found on the petioles, leaves, stems and other parts of Araceae. There are specialized terms to describe the length of hair, its stiffness and the density of the covering  such as indumentum but indumentum is broader and includes scales.

Q

quilted blade

A leaf blade with the tissue between the main veins broadly arched in a form similar to a quilt.

R

          rachis or rhachis  (RA-kis)

The axis or stalk within a compound leaf above the petiole that supports the leaflets.  The individual leaflets are often supported by petiolules,   The total of all the leaflets then compose a single compound leaf.  A rachis is commonly supported by a single petiole.  The term is also often used to describe a compound inflorescence, especially with some orchid species.  Sometimes used interchangeably with peduncle by some aroid writers when describing Araceae with multiple inflorescences.  See compound leaf, peduncle and petiole

raphide, raphid, or rhaphid  (RAF-ide)

The needle-shape crystals of calcium carbonate or calcium oxalate found in specialized plant cells called idioblasts, which can often be felt as a tiny bump on the surface of a leaf or stem.. Raphides are believed to be a defensive mechanism against plant predators since they are likely to cause great discomfort if ingested as well as tear the soft tissues of the throat and/or esophagus of a plant predator.  Raphides are the primary reason aroid species are often claimed to be "poisonous" on internet websites. See also calcium oxalate crystals

reduced foliar blade

A leaf blade that does not grow to the potential size seen elsewhere on the plant. A reduced leaf blade may be produced as a result of the plant temporarily changing its shoot growth from monopodial to sympodial growth but is common in sympodial species.

reflex

To curve backwards. Sometimes used to describe the backwards-curving cataphyll or spathe of certain genera

          repent

A manner of stem growth running roughly horizontally across the ground's surface.

resin

A sticky exudate (fluid) of the leaf, roots and other plant parts including the spathe and spadix of some aroid species' inflorescence. In Philodendron root resin canals generally occur in the outer layer known as the cortex. On the inflorescence the spathe may produce resin through adaxial canals during anthesis

restinga   (res-TING-a)

In Brazil the restinga is a distinct moist coastal tropical and subtropical rain forest formed on sandy acidic soil that is nutrient poor. Restinga are characterized by medium sized trees and shrubs, which adapt to the often dry and nutrient poor conditions, which are often populated with aroid species.

reticulate veins

The reticulate veins are the smallest visible vein form within small areas called areoles, a condition known as areolate.  See also Tertiary veins

revolute   (rev-o-LUTE)

rheophyte  (REE-o-fite)

Rheophytes include semi-aquatic as well as aquatic plant species which live attached to stone in fast moving currents. The force of the fast moving current creates oxygen-rich water. Rheophytes are able to live in this environment due to their streamlined leaves that produce little resistance to the flow. They possess extremely strong wide spreading root systems which steadfastly hold the plant in position. Rheophytic plants include some Anthurium species

rhizome (see stem)  (RYE-some)
                           or (RYE-zome)

A stem that runs either along or just beneath the surface of the soil

riparian  (rye-PAIR-ee-an)

A small group of plants that grow semi-aquatically in the region separating land and a stream. Araceae that grow as riparians including Spathiphyllum, Hottarum, Bucephalandra, Aridarum, Homalomena, as well as a group of Anthurium species, and others. Nearly all riparian species are found in the Asia tropics

 

         root

The plant organ (lacking buds, nodes or leaves), which absorbs water and mineral salts as well as anchors the specimen to a host or the soil and sometimes stores food. Although in terrestrial species the roots are normally underground, in Araceae they are frequently found hanging free in the atmosphere

rosette

A circular or rose-shaped arrangement of leaves normally spread horizontally arising from a short as well as sometimes modified stem

rostrate or rostrum  (ROST-rate or ROST-rum)

To possess a beak similar to the beak of a bird. In the aroid genus Piptospatha the spathe limbs terminate with a distinct beak   See also Spathe limb

 

          rosulate  (ROSE-you-late) or (ROSE-you-lat)

Arranged in a rosette-like cluster. Used to describe a rosette-like cluster of leaves as well as bracts

rupicolous  (roo-PICK-o-lus)

Plants that grow among and sometimes over rocks

rugose  (ROO-gose)

Possessing a rough, wrinkled surface or appearance. Sometimes used to describe the venation of species with a prominent tightly woven vein structure visible on a leaf surface.

S


           sagittate  (SA-jit-ate)

The shape of an arrowhead, having the posterior lobes of a leaf longer than broad and directed toward the base. In some European countries the term may be used differently

saprophyte   (SAP-rue-fite)

Plants and organisms including fungi, molds and bacteria that live on dead organic matter (plant or animal tissue) for a source of nutrition and metabolic energy as well as recycle the material into the soil.  The majority of saprophytes do not produce chlorophyll and do not produce nutrients through photosynthesis.  Also used to describe leafless plants including orchids that derive nourishment from  decaying or dead fungi in the soil.  Important to home plant growers as a result of the ability of saprophytes to destroy roots and other plant material due to excessively soggy soil that is devoid of oxygen.

Growing around or on rocks, stones and walls such as a rocky cliff

scalariforme  (scay-LAR-i-form)

Veins or other plant parts that grow in an evenly spaced formation resembling the rungs of a ladder

scandent  (SCAN-dent)

Used to describe plants that climb, but usually restricted to stems that flop over a support, and continue upwards from there

           scape

Scapes are flower supporting stalks that are almost always leafless (depending on the genus and species),  A scape rises from the crown or roots of a plant and may support a single flower or an inflorescence of many flowers. In Bromelia (bromeliads), the scape is the support of an inflorescence.  See also Inflorescence

scototropic or skototropic  (sko-to-TRO-pic)

From the Greek skotos meaning darkness. Describes the tendency of vining plants to grow towards the darkness found in the shade of a tree or object such as a cliff which will eventually allow the specimen to climb towards brighter light. This is a term which many people feel unnecessary, preferring negative phototropism, which means growing away from the light

 self-heading

Often used to describe an aroid with a thick trunk that can stand erect for a time, often then either leaning on a tree or snaking over the ground and turning up at the tip. See arborescent

sessile  (SESS-ile)

Without a stalk. Used to describe a leaf or inflorescence that grows attached directly to the stem without a petiole or peduncle

          sigmoid   (SEEG-moyd)

Growth curved in two directions similar to the letter "S"

sinuate  (SIN-you-ate) or (SIGN-you-ate)

From the Latin sinus, to bend, curve or wind in and out such as a leaf blade possessing wavy leaf margins or lobes.


 

sinus  (SINE-us)

The area between the lobes of a leaf

          soporific (sap-a-RIFIC)　

         sori plural of sorus

A group or cluster of plant reproductive bodies known individually as sorus. Clusters of spore cases known as sporangia. In ferns, a cluster of sporangia on the underside of a fertile frond. Sometimes used to describe a mass of spores bursting through the epidermis of the host plant of a parasitic fungus   See also Sorus, Sporangia and Spores

          sorus

A fruiting structure made-up of a mass of spores or sporangia. A cluster of sporangia borne on the underside of a fern frond. Also a reproductive structure in certain fungi and lichens See also sori

spadix   (SPAY-dicks)

A typical part of the inflorescences of Araceae (aroids) surrounded by a spathe. The spadix is the fleshy axis at the center of the inflorescence which bears flowers

spathe  (SPAY'th)

Typical of Araceae (aroids), a modified leaf or bract (sometimes large) enclosing a spadix, which may be highly colored. A spathe may take on many forms and is not a flower but an auxiliary part of an inflorescence

         spathe limb or spathe blade

The margin or edge of  a spathe

spathe tube

A spathe, which may open and close to form a tube-like enclosure or constriction around the spadix. See also spathe

To possess the shape of a spathe. 

species

A group of individual organisms, which have a common characteristic, distinction or quality separating them, form other groups. All of the species with a certain number of characters in common are grouped as a genus. See also Linnaean taxonomy

          sporangia  plural of sporangium   (spo-RAN-gee-a or spo-RAN-gee-um)

A single-celled, sometimes multi-celled  structure in which spores are produced.  May be a plant, fungal, or algal structure that produces and contains spores. Sporangia occur in ferns, fern allies, angiosperms, gymnosperms, bryophytes, algae, some mosses and fungi. Their spores are sometimes called sporangiospores . Sometimes known as a spore case. The sporangium is the organ that contains or produces spores   See also Spores

          spores

Normally a small single-celled reproductive body that is highly resistant as well as capable of survival under unfavorable conditions including heat. When growth conditions return to more favorable conditions the cell then reproduces to become a new individual.  Depending on species, the cell is capable of growing into new a organism including the production of certain ferns, bacteria, fungi, molds, algae, and non-flowering plants  See also Sori

stamen  (STAY-men) or (STA-men)

The male reproductive organ of a flower consisting of a filament and an anther.  The anther consists of two thecae (a sheath-like structure) in which the pollen is produced

stem

The base, central axis and main support of a plant normally divided into nodes and internodes. The nodes often produce a leaf in the axil of which they produce roots and hold buds which may grow into shoots of various forms. The stem's roots anchor the plant either to the ground, a tree or to a rock. A stem may even spread as a repent rhizome creeping across the soil. May either grow above ground, underground or partially above the soil. Specialized stem forms are called a corm, tuber or bulb. See also petiole

sterile zone

A region of male flowers incapable of sexual reproduction, which sometimes divides the female, and male flowers on a bisexual inflorescence. See also inflorescence

stigma  (STIG-ma)

The pollen-receptive surface, usually sticky, where the pollen enters the pistil. Usually the stigma will bear a sweet solution, which can attract insects to the sticky surface of the stigma where pollen is received and on which pollen germinates

stigmatic hairs  (stig-MAT-ic hairs)

Small hairs sometimes known as trichomes at the end of the stigmas, designed to entrap the pollen grains. These trichomes may also induce germination of the pollen grains. (see stigma and trichome)

stipe  (as spelled or STEEP-eh)

A stalk that supports some other structure. Used to describe a length of stalk located between the spathe and the spadix in the inflorescences of some aroids

          stipulate (STEEP-you-late or STIP-you late)

To possess stipules   See stipule

          stipule   (STEEP-ule or STIP-ule)

Variable in size and appearance, stipules are leaf-like or scale-like appendages at the base of the petiole, normally found in pairs. Stipules may also be on the nodes of the stem. When observed there are generally two, one on each side of the leaf that sometimes appear to protect the young leaf before it develops

stolon  (STO-lon)

A stem runner or shoot that runs atop or just under the ground from a plant with the ability to produce new plants from buds along its length or at the apex (end or tip)

stoma, plural stomata  (STO-ma) pl. (sto-MA-ta)

A pore in the epidermis of a leaf or stem used for gas exchange with the atmosphere. Vital in controlling water emission during transpiration. See also transpiration

striate or striation       (STREE-ate) and (stree-EH-shun) or (S'TRY-eh-shun)

Fine lines (often parallel) on the surface of the rib or vein of a plant, petiole, spathe or other part of a plant

subcoriaceous  (SUB-co-ree-eh-shus)

Used to describe a leaf blade that is less than leather-like to the touch. See also coriaceous, membranous, papyraceous

subgenus

A taxonomic rank directly below genus where all species in the subgenus possess some common characteristics


 

subobtuse  (sub-ob-TOOSE)

Not completely obtuse. See obtuse

subtribe    (see tribe)

Possessing grooves. Used to describe the sulcus commonly observed on the midrib, petiole and other parts of Araceae, which are important to the determination of a species

sulcus  (SUL-cuss)

A furrow or groove such as the depression sometimes observed on the upper surface of a petiole commonly known as a C shaped depression  (for a photo see Canaliculate)

          supervolute vernation

A newly emerging leaf blade with one leaf margin rolled inward while the opposite margin is rolled around the first. Similar to the coiled whorl or spiral of a conch shell.  Supervolute is synonymous with convolute vernation but there is a slight difference since convolute involves a succession of leaves being formed while in supervolute vernation there is no new leaf to be formed in succession as can be seen in the drawing to the right..   See also convolute vernation and Involute vernation

sympodium or sympodial (sim-PO-dee-um) or (sim-PO-dee-al)

A stem in which growth occurs by successive side branches replacing one another as the main shoot with no single shoot continuing indefinitely. In many aroids juvenile growth is monopodial but later becomes sympodial.  The stem may consist of multiple branching segments growing in roughly a zigzag pattern.   See also monopodial

 
         synflorescence  (SIN-flor-essence)

A branching unit where the inflorescences arise one after another normally in sequence with no return to foliage. Observed in some but not all genera of aroids

synonym

In botany a name of a species in the same genus for which an earlier name, now accepted as correct, has been published. A synonym is no longer considered an accepted species name

T
 

taxon

A general word for any of the divisions of the hierarchy of names used for groups of organisms

 

taxonomy

The art and science of classifying living organisms into taxa (plural of taxon)

tepals  (TEE-pals) or (TAY-pals) both correct

Part of the perianth, which is the outer part of a flower. Commonly used when the segments of the perianth are of similar shape and/or color and there is no distinction in the calyx (sepals) and corolla (petals). See also perianth

terete  (TEAR-eat)

Round or cylindrical when viewed in cross-section. Used to describe the shape of a petiole or other plant part

tertiary veins

The repeatedly branched veins arising from and connected to the primary lateral veins and interprimary veins. The reticulate veins are the smallest visible vein form within small areas called areoles (also a condition known as areolate)

          thecae  (THE-ka)

A case, sheath or covering such as the pollen sac of an anther that covers a portion of the plant's stamen. The case covering the sporangium of a fern. See  Sporangium and Anther

thermogenesis

The production of heat in the spadix of an inflorescence (thermo= heat, genesis= birth) generated by a rapid oxidation of starch stored in the spadix. It is triggered by salicylic acid. Thermogenesis causes the release of an odor attractive to a pollinator known as a pheromone which is distributed by an increase in temperature. See also pheromone  
For a complete explanation see this link:  Natural and artificial pollination in aroids

tissue culture

The asexual propagation of fragments of a suitable parent plant in order to produce clones of it in large quantity. In the process cells are grown in nutrient solutions in a laboratory until they form a mass of tissue. These then get different chemicals to induce roots and leaves. Once developed these tiny plants are transplanted into a potting medium. Those from a commercial lab are normally distributed to the commercial plant growing industry

  

         transpire or transpiration

The loss of water to the atmosphere through the pores of a leaf primarily through the stomates (stoma). See also stoma

          tribe

In plant taxonomy a rank between family or subfamily and genus. A tribe comprises genera that have shared features that serve to distinguish those genera from others in the same genera.  Further tribal divisions are known as subtribes.   See Taxonomy and Genera

          trichome  (TRICH-ome)

trilobate  (TRI-lobe-ate)

To possess three lobes

          trisect   (TRI-sect)

Divided into three normally equal parts

         truncate  (TRUNK-ate)

Cut off.  Indicates a plant part has a blunt end, which appears to have been cut off, squared, or straight

tuber

 A tuber is a strongly condensed stem as well as an underground structure which is almost entirely a starch storage organ without a basal plate. The buds for future growth and the roots all develop at the apex or top of the tuber.  The tuber can sometimes form as the tip of a stolon or runner. Stolons are stem runners or stem shoots that run atop or just beneath the surface of the soil's surface to produce new plants.   Should not be confused with a bulb or corm.  See stem, stolon, corm and bulb

U

          ultrabasic    (ool-TRA-basic, see ultramafic)

          ultramafic (ootra-MAFF-ic)

The type of rocks found in the Earth's mantle.  Used in geology to describe igneous rocks and soils (those of volcanic origin) that contain magnesium and iron with small amounts of silica and frequently have elevated chromium and nickel, both toxic to most plants but in which ultramafic-adapted plants can tolerate.   A number of Asian aroids are obligated to grow in ultramafic soil (the same as ultrabasic rocks and soil) and its associated ecology.   Extreme forms of these plants are termed metallophytes and they are often highly associated with ultrabasic soils and even go so far as to accumulate metals in their tissues, notably in their sap.  No known aroids are classified as metallophytes.  Ultramafic may also refer to soils or bedrocks that possess such high metal content some plants may not be able to survive. 
　

undulate leaf margin

The edge of a leaf with a wavelike appearance

unisexual inflorescence

A type of flower arrangement where unisexual flowers are arranged on the same axis but in Araceae not usually borne together as species which produce an inflorescence with imperfect male as well as imperfect female flowers found in separate zones (not intermixed). Some of the Araceae genera that produce a unisexual inflorescence include Philodendron, Alocasia, Caladium, Amorphophallus and Xanthosoma. See also bisexual


 

V

          variegation   (VAR-ee-ah-GAY-shun)

A phenomenon observed in some plants where partially or irregularly colored patches or streaks of different colored tissues in plant organs are observed, normally on a leaf or stem but sometimes on a flower.  Variegation may the result of natural DNA characteristics, the suppression of normal pigment development, pathogenic infection (particularly a viral infection known as Colour Break Virus) but may also be a mineral deficiency or genetic differences within the plant's cellular structure as a result of mutation.  The virus is a somatic mutation induced in tissue culture.  Similar mutations are being generated in tissue culture around the globe with Spathiphyllum, Homalomena, and Philodendron that usually involve the introduction of a benign colour-breaking virus.  Variegation is sometimes seen in nature in species such as Epipremnum aureum (commonly called Pothos) and some Dieffenbachia as well as other species.  It is now common for tissue culture laboratories to deliberately expose plants to the Colour Break Virus in order to chemically induce variegated specimens that may be sold at a higher retail price.  Chimeral variegation as well as viral variegation (Color Break Virus) are unstable and temporary since they are not passed along through seeds and often vanish in a generation or two.  Plants that are excessively variegated and lack sufficient chlorophyll (green tissue) are often incapable of survival due to the lack of an ability to conduct photosynthesis.   It is important you also read the definitions of Chimera, Chloroplasts, Photosynthesis and Autotrophs

variation or variability

Differences found in a single taxa that do not appear to be identical to other specimens of the same species. An almost universal phenomenon where the leaves and other plant organs of a single species may take on a variety of shapes.  The shape of a plant's leaves do not necessarily determine the species

          vegetative

To grow or cause to grow. Used to descibe a stage or structure associated with feeding or growth rather than with sexual reproduction

          vegetative reproduction

A form of asexual reproduction where specialized multicellular organs are formed by the parent, become detached, and generate new individual plants. Vegetative reproduction is the same as asexual reproduction.   See asexual

          veins

A bundle of vascular organs sometimes known as ribs in a leaf or other plant part that form a branching framework for the purpose of supporting the leaf as well as conducting the transfer of fluids

 

velutinous  (vel-OOT-in-us)

Velvety with fine silky pubescence (hairs). See also pubescence

venation  (ven-EH-shun)

Used to describe the arrangement or the veins of a leaf

vernation  (vern-EH-shun)

Used to describe the way a new leaf blade is rolled or folded as it emerges from the cataphyll, sometimes known as ptyxis. See also convolute vernation, involute vernation and supervolute vernation


 

verrucose  (VER-ook-ose)

A warty appearance

vinaceous  (vin-EH-shus)

Purple/reddish color, similar to that of wine


 

X
 

xylem  (ZIE-lem)

A network of hollow cells in a plant's vascular system that transports water and soluble nutrients collected by the roots.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The assistance of Dr. Thomas B. Croat, D. Christopher Rogers, Elizabeth Campbell and Peter C. Boyce are gratefully acknowledged.

REFERENCES

Allaby, M. 2006. A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Bell, Adrian D., Plant Form, Timber Press, Portland-London

Bailey, Jill, Dictionary of Plant Sciences, Penguin Books

Bailey, Jill, The facts on File Dictionary of Botany,  Facts on File, Inc.

Bown, D. 2000. Aroids, Plants of the Arum Family. Second edition. Timber Press. Portland, Oregon.

Croat, T. B. 1991. A revision of Anthurium section Pachyneurium (Araceae). Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 78(3):539–855.  1997.

Croat, T.B., A revision of Philodendron subgenus Philodendron (Araceae) for Mexico and Central America.
Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 84(3):311–704

Barbé, Denis; Lacrois, Christian; Jeune, Bernard,
Study of Homeosis in the Flower of Philodendron (Araceae): a Qualitative and Quantitative Approach

Jackson, Benjamin Daydon, A glossary of Botanic terms, with their derivation and accent,  Duckworth and Company, Philadelphia

Keating, Richard C., Anatomy of Monocotyledons, IX. Aroraceae and Araceae, Oxford Science Publications

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