Glossary of Horticulture Terms
A, B, C, D, E-G, H-L, M-O, P, Q-R, S, T, U-Z
|
| Margin |
The edge of a leaf. |
| Mature |
A later phase of growth characterized by
flowering, fruiting, and a reduced rate of size increase. |
| Meristem |
Areas of actively dividing cells and plant
growth; capable of developing into specialized tissues. |
| Metamorphosed |
Changed from one state to a different one. |
| Midrib |
The strong main vein of a leaf. |
| Milky sap |
Whitish in color, often thicker than water. |
| Moniliform |
Repeatedly constricted laterally and appearing
bead-like. |
| Monocarpic |
Fruiting once and then dying. |
| Monocot |
A plant of the angiosperm group having one
cotyledon. |
| Monoecious |
A species with unisexual flowers, having
both sexes on the same plant. |
| Monopodial |
Continuing growth from a terminal bud each
year. |
| Mucilaginous |
Slimy. |
| Mucronate |
Ending in a fine, slender tip. |
| Multiple |
Applied to several buds in or over an axil,
instead of the customary single or solitary bud. |
| Multiple fruit |
A fruit formed from several flowers included
in a single structure having a common axis. Ex. Pineapple,
mulberry |
| Mummy |
A dried, shriveled fruit. |
| Mutation |
A sudden change in genetic material resulting
in an altered individual. Generally disadvantageous to
the mutated plant’s survival. |
| Naked |
Said of a bud which is not covered by scales;
the outer pair of leaves serves the same purpose. Or of
a flower having no floral envelopes (perianth). |
| Nascent |
In the act of being formed. |
| Native |
Original to an area. |
| Naturalized |
Thoroughly established, but originally from
a foreign area. |
| Net veined |
See netted venation. |
| Netted venation |
The veins reticulated and resembling a fish
net; the interstices close. |
| Neutral flower |
A sterile flower consisting of perianth
without any essential organs. |
| Nocturnal |
Opening at night and closing during the
day. |
| Nodal |
At or pertaining to a node. |
| Node |
The more or less swollen portion of the
twig which bears the leaf or leaves. |
| Notched |
With V-shaped indentations. |
| Nut |
A dry, indehiscent, 1-celled, 1-seeded fruit
having a hard and bony mesocarp; the outermost endocarp
may be fibrous or slightly fleshy. |
| Ob- |
Used as a prefix to indicate inversion;
obcordate in contrast with cordate, oblanceolate in contrast
to lanceolate, etc. A cordate leaf is heart-shaped with
rounded lobes at the base of the leaf. An obcordate leaf
has rounded lobes at the tip. |
| Oblique |
Lop-sided, as one side of a leaf base being
larger, wider or more rounded than the other. |
| Obovate |
Inversely ovate, broadest above the middle. |
| Obscure |
Not easily made out, as applied to buds,
bundle scars, etc. |
| Obtuse |
With sides forming an angle of more than
90° ; blunt. |
| Odd pinnate |
A compound pinnate leaf with a terminal
or odd numbered leaflet at the tip. |
| Opposite |
Said of leaves or leaf scars which are paired
on opposite sides at each node. |
| Orbiculate |
Circular or disc-shaped. |
| Oval |
Twice as long as broad, widest at the middle,
both ends rounded. |
| Ovary |
The ovule-bearing part of a pistil. |
| Ovate |
Egg shaped, broadest below the middle. |
| Ovoid |
Said of a bud which is egg-shaped, with
the broadest portion near the base. |
| Ovule |
The egg-containing unit of an ovary, which
after fertilization becomes the seed. |
