Morphology of Flowering Plants Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from plant morphology and anatomy, based on the provided lecture notes.

Primary Root

The direct elongation of the radicle, leading to the formation of a primary root. Example: The main root of a mustard plant.

Adventitious Roots

Roots that arise from parts of the plant other than the radicle. Example: Roots arising from the stem in Monstera.

Root Cap

The region at the apex of the root, covered by a thimble-like structure, that protects the root as it grows through the soil. Acts like a helmet when pushing through dirt.

Nodes

The part of the stem where leaves are born. Also where buds may form.

Internodes

The region of the stem between two nodes. This area contributes to stem elongation.

Leaf

A lateral, generally flattened structure borne on the stem. Primary site of photosynthesis.

Leaf Base

The point where the leaf is attached to the stem. May widen to form a sheath.

Stipules

Two lateral small leaf-like structures at the leaf base. Seen in many dicotyledonous plants.

Petiole

The stalk that attaches the leaf blade to the stem. Provides support and allows leaf movement.

Lamina (Leaf Blade)

The green, expanded part of the leaf. Main area for photosynthesis and transpiration.

Venation

The arrangement of veins and veinlets in the lamina of a leaf. Important for water and nutrient transport.

Reticulate Venation

Venation where the veinlets form a network. Typical in dicot leaves.

Parallel Venation

Venation where the veins run parallel to each other within a lamina. Typical in monocot leaves.

Phyllotaxy

The pattern of arrangement of leaves on the stem or branch. Can be alternate, opposite, or whorled.

Racemose

Inflorescence where the main axis continues to grow and flowers are borne laterally in an acropetal succession. Example: A radish flower.

Cymose

Type of inflorescence where the main axis terminates in a flower, limiting its growth. Example: A cyme.

Calyx

Outermost whorl of the flower; its members are called sepals. Protects the flower in the bud stage.

Corolla

Whorl composed of petals. Attracts pollinators with color and scent.

Gamosepalous

Condition where sepals are united. A tubular calyx in hibiscus.

Gamopetalous

Condition where petals are united. Examples include the corolla of a petunia flower.

Aestivation

The mode of arrangement of sepals or petals in a floral bud with respect to other members of the same whorl. Types include valvate, twisted, imbricate, and vexillary.

Valvate

Aestivation where sepals or petals in a whorl just touch one another at the margin, without overlapping. Seen in the calyx of some flowers.

Twisted

Aestivation where one margin of the appendage overlaps that of the next one. Common in Malvaceae family.

Imbricate

Aestivation where the margins of sepals or petals overlap one another but not in any particular direction. Found in guava flowers.

Vexillary

Aestivation in pea and bean flowers where the largest petal (standard) overlaps the two lateral petals (wings) which in turn overlap the two smallest anterior petals (keel). Characteristic of Fabaceae.

Androecium

Male reproductive organ of a flower. Consists of the stamen, which includes the filament and anther.

Gynoecium

Female reproductive part of the flower. Consists of the pistil, which includes the ovary, style, and stigma.

Staminode

A sterile stamen. May be reduced or modified.

Placentation

The arrangement of ovules within the ovary. Types include marginal, axile, parietal, free central, and basal.

Parthenocarpic Fruit

A fruit formed without fertilization of the ovary. Example: Banana.

Pericarp

The wall of the fruit. Develops from the ovary wall.

Hilum

A scar on the seed coat through which the developing seeds were attached to the fruit. Remnant of the funiculus.

Micropyle

A small pore above the hilum. Facilitates entry of water and oxygen during germination.

Endospermic Seed

Seed with endosperm. Seed with a food source.

Non-endospermic Seed

Seed without endosperm. No food source in the seed.

Aleurone Layer

A proteinous layer that covers the endosperm. Found in cereal grains.

Scutellum

A shield-shaped cotyledon in monocots. Helps in nutrient absorption from the endosperm.

Coleoptile

The sheath enclosing the plumule in monocots. Protects the young shoot as it emerges from the soil.

Coleorhiza

The sheath enclosing the radicle in monocots. Protects the young root as it emerges from the soil.