Definitions A thru F

ABAXIAL (ab-AK-si-al) - Remote or turned away from the axis. facing away from the axis of an organ or organism "the abaxial surface of a leaf is the underside or side facing away from the stem".
ABERRANT (ab-ER-ant) - Differing from the normal; atypical.
ABORTIVE (a-BOR-tiv) - Rudimentary or imperfectly formed; sterile.
ABRUPTUS (ab-RUP-tus) - Broken off or ending suddenly.
ABSCISSION (ab-SIZH-un) - Falling away or separation of an organ, frequently by rupturing of the thin walls of cells grouped in an absciss-layer when associated with a deficiency in auxin production.
ACAULESCENT (ak-au-LES-ent) - Having no true stem or axis or only a very short one concealed in the ground.
ACAULIS (ak-AU-lis) - Having no stem.
ACCLIMATION (ak-li-MAY-shun) - Process by which, through crossbreeding and selection, a species attains tolerance to a changed environment.
ACCRESCENT (a-KRES-ent) - Increasing with age-as fruit or flower parts increase in size after or during flowering period.
ACICULAR (a-SIK-yew-lar) - Pointed, needle-like.
ACICULARIS (See ACICULAR)
ACINACIFORM (as-i-NAS-i-form) - Shaped like a scimitar.
ACROPETAL (a-KROP-i-tal) - Ascending, as leaves and flowers developing succession on an axis so that the youngest is at the apex. Also, the normal development root hairs.
ACUMINATE (a-KEW-mi-nit) - Gradually tapering to a point; ending in a sharp but tapering point.
ACUTE (a-KUTE) - Ending in a sharp point (not tapering), the converging edges separated by an angle less than 90°.
ADAXIAL (ad-AX-e-al) - nearest to or facing toward the axis of an organ or organism; the upper side of a leaf is known as the adaxial surface.
ADHERENT (ad-HEER-ent) - United to a dissimilar part which usually is separate.
ADNATE (AD-nate) - Congenitally grown together; having one organ attached wholly or in part to a dissimilar part. - said only of organic cohesion of unlike parts.
ADUNCATE (a-DUN-kate) - Hooked.
ADVENTITIOUS (ad-ven-TISH-us) - Occurring in unusual or abnormal places; as adventitious leaves. Arising at various points along a stem, rather than at the base or apex, or another such specific zone.
AERIAL ROOT (AIR-re-al root) - Any root produced above the growing medium.
AESTIVATION (also estivation) (es-ta-VAY-shun) - The arrangement of the parts of a flower in the bud.
AGGREGATED (AG-gre-gate-ted) - formed of separate units in a cluster. Raspberries are aggregate fruits.
AGAR (A-gar) - Refined seaweed used in making up nutrient medium in which orchid seeds may be sown.
ALATE (AY-late) - Having wings or wing-like parts.
ALKALINITY (al-ka-LIN-i-ty) - Degree to which a substance in solution dissociates hydroxide ions. Alkalinity is expressed by pH value which numerically increase as alkalinity increases, from 7.0 (neutral) to 14.
ALLELE (ah-LEE-leh) - One of two dissimilar genes which occupy positions on homologous chromosomes and which carry factors acting as alternative conditions in inheritance. Multiple alleles are members of a series of more than two alleles possessed by a genotype.
ALLELOMORPH (See ALLELE)
ALLOPOLYPLOID (AL-low-polly-ploid) - Polyploid derived from between widely different species.
ALTERNATE (all-TURN-it) - (of the arrangement of leaves) arising one from each node in a staggered formation.
ALTISSIMUS (al-TISS-I-mus) - Very tall, or tallest of its congeners.
AMABILIS (a-MAB-i-lis) - Lovely.
AMPHIDIPLOID (AM-fi-di-ploid) - Polyploid resulting from hybridization between two or more diploid species separated by barriers of hybrid sterility.
AMPHOTERIC (am-fo-TER-ik) - Having both acid and basic properties.
AMPLEXICAUL (am-PLEK-si-kol) - Clasping or embracing a stem, as the base of some leaves.
AMPLIATUS (am-ply-AY-tus) - Enlarged.
AMPLUS (AM-plus) - Large, fine, noble.
AMPULLACEUS (am-pu-LAY-shus) - Flask or bottle shaped.
ANAEROBIC RESPIRATION (an-air-O-bic) - Break-down of sugars and other organic materials for the release of energy, in the absence of oxygen. Usually identified with fermentation.
ANCEPS (AN-seps) - Two-edged.
ANCIPITOUS (an-SIP-i-tus) - Compressed or flattened, two-edged.
ANDROECIUM (an-DREE-shi-um) - Collective name for the stamens of a flower.
ANTENNIFERUS (an-ten-NIF-er-us) - Bearing antennae.
ANTENNIFORM (an-TEN-ni-form) - Shaped like an antennae.
ANTERIOR (an-TEE-ri-or) - On the front or forward end or side of an organ or flower.
ANTHER (AN-ther) - The part of a stamen containing the pollen.
ANTHESIS (an-THEE-sis) - The period of expansion of a flower.
ANTHO (AN-tho) - Prefix, flower, as in anthophilous-living on flowers, or anthophobia-fear of flowers.
ANTHOCYANIN (AN-th-SI-a-nin) - A reddish-blue coloring matter found in sap of many plants usually in the portion most exposed to the sun.
ANTRORSE (an-TRORS) - Directed forward or upward.
APEX (AY-pex) - The tip; point; the highest point.
APHID (AY-fid) - A plant-sucking insect; a plant louse.
APHYLLOUS (a-FILL-us) - Without leaves.
APICAL (AP-i-kil) - At or beginning to an apex or end.
APICULATE (a-PIK-you-lit) - Ending in a short pointed tip; leaf terminated abruptly by a small point.
APICULE (A-pik-ule) - Any small apical point or tip.
APOGAMETY (a-POG-a-me-ti) - Development of an embryo from a diploid gametophyte by the division of a cell other than an egg cell, with or without pollination and (partial) fertilization, the zygote so formed being maternal in genetic constitution.
APOGAMY (a-POG-a-mi) - The development of buds in place of ovules; growth of the normal product of fertilization directly from the female sexual organ.
APRESSED (ap-PREST) - Pressed close to or lying against something for its full length.
APTEROUS (AP-t'r-us) - Wingless; destitute of wing-like membranous expansions, as a stem or petiole.
ARCUATE (ARC-kew-ate) - Arched; bent or curved like a bow.
ARGENTINE (ARGENTUS) (AR-jen-teen) - Silvery.
ARIETINOUS (AR-i-ET-i-nus) - Shaped like a ram’s head.
ARISTATE (a-RIS-tate) - Having a pointed or beard-like appendage.
ARTICULATE (ar-TIK-yew-late) - Jointed; having joints where separation may occur naturally; of a stem, having nodes.
ASCENDING (ah-SEND-ing) - arising at a steep angle, but not vertical.
ASEXUAL PROPAGATION (a-SEX-shu-al) - Any process of reproduction which does not involve or directly follow union of germ cells of two different sexes.
ASPER (AS-per) - Rough.
ASPERATUS (as-per-AY-tus) - Roughened.
ASYMBIOTIC (AS-im-bi-otik) - Refers to a method of germinating orchid seed without the presence of fungi.
ATTENUATE (at-TEN-yew-ate) - Slender, tapering; becoming narrow; tapering gradually.
AURICLE (AW-ri-kl) - A small ear-like appendage.
AURICULATE (aw-RI-kew-late) - Furnish with auricles.
AUTHOR (AW-thor) - One who first describes the species.
AUTOPHYTE (AW-to-fite) - A green plant capable of manufacturing its own food, neither saprophytic nor parasitic.
AUTOPOLYPLOID (AW-to-POL-i-ploid) - Polyploid derived from a single ancestral species, usually by intraspecific hybridization.
AUTOXIDATION (o-TOK-si-DAY-shun) - Poisoning by toxic substances produced within the organism’s own body.
AUTUMNAL (aw-TUM-nal) - Pertaining to autumn.
AUTUMNALIS (AW-tum-na-lis) - Autumn flowering.
AUXINS (OKS-ins) - Chemicals - natural and commercial, that induce flowering or growth. (Indole acetic acid, for example)
AWN (on) - The bristly fibers or beard that terminate the anther.
AXIL (AK-sil) - The upper angle between a leaf, twig, etc. and the stem from which it grows.
AXILLARY (AK-sil-lar-i) - Situated in or arising from an axil; of or pertaining to an axil. Adj.: Angle between a branch or leaf and the stem it grows from.
AXIS (AK-sis) - The longitudinal support on which organs or parts are arranged, the central line of any body.
BACKBULB - An old pseudobulb behind the part of a sympodial orchid that is actively growing. Although there may be no leaves, the presence of undamaged "eyes" is a sign that growth is possible.
BACKCROSS - A mating between hybrid progeny and one of the original parents.
BACTERICIDAL (back-ter-i-SIDE-al) - Destroys bacteria.
BAMBUSIFOLIUS (bam-BOO-si-FO-li-us) - Bamboo-leaved.
BARBATUS (bar-BAY-tus) - Bearded, provided with long weak hairs or terminating in a mass of hairs, usually more or less straight and parallel.
BARBIGERUS (bar-BI-jer-us) - Bearded, alluding to the fringed lip of many plants.
BASAL (BAY-sul) - Of, at, or forming the base.
BI (buy) - Prefix indicating two.
BIALATE (buy-AL-ate) - Having two wings or wing-like attachments.
BIAPICULATE (buy-a-PI-kew-late) - Terminated abruptly with two points.
BICALLOSE (BUY-ka-lose) - Having two callosities (hard protuberance or thickening).
BICORNUTE (buy-KOR-nute) - Having two horns or horn-like processes.
BIDENTATE (buy-DEN-tate) - Two-toothed.
BIFARIOUS (buy-FAY-ri-us) - Arranged in two rows; pointing two ways as in opposite leaves.
BIFID (BUY-fid) - Divided by a deep cleft into two parts; slit in the middle; divided into two equal lobes or parts by a median cleft.
BIFOLIATE (buy-FO-li-at) - Having two leaves.
BIFURCATE (BUY-fur-kate) - Divided into two branches; forked.
BIGENER (BUY-gen-air) - A plant resulting from the cross of two genera, hence a bigeneric hybrid.
BIGENERIC (BUY-gen-air-ik) - A hybrid between two species of different genera.
BIGIBBUS (buy-GIB-bus) - Having two small protuberances.
BILABIATE (buy-LAB-i-ate) - Having two lips.
BILOBATE (buy-LOH-bate) - Having or divided into two lobes.
BILOBED (BUY-lobed) - Two lobed.
BILOBULATE (buy-LOH-bu-late) - Having, or divided into two lobules.
BINOMIAL (buy-NO-mi-al) - A name of two terms denoting, respectively, genus and species.
BIOTYPE (BUY-o-tipe) - Having the same genetic constitution.
BIPARTITE (buy-PAR-tite) - Divided in two parts from the middle upwards.
BIPUNCTATUS (buy-PUNK-tay-tus) - Having two dots.
BIVALENT (BUY-va-lent) - A pair of associated homologous chromosomes.
BLADE - The expanded portion of a leaf or floral segment.
BOTANICALS (bah-TAN-i-c'ls) - A term designating any species or genus of orchid which is not grown commercially for its flowers.
BOTRYTIS - a microscopic fungus that causes rot in flowers and fruits.
BRACHIATUS (BRAK-i-ay-tus) - Branched or having arms.
BRACHYPETALUS (brak-y-PET-a-lus) - Having short petals.
BRACT - A modified leaf growing from the flower stem or enveloping a head of flowers.
BRACTEATE (BRAK-ti-ate) - Having a bract or bracts.
BRACTEIFORM (BRAK-tee-i-form) - Of the shape and form of a bract.
BRACTEOLE (BRAK-ti-al) - A small bract.
BRACTEOSE (BRAK-tee-ose) - With numerous or conspicuous bracts.
BRACTESCENS (BRAK-tes-sens) - Having very large bracts, or tendency to develop bracts.
BREAKING - Term used when a bud starts to open; or an eye or a root starts to sprout.
BREVIFOLIUS (BREV-i-FOLE-i-us) - Short-leaved.
BUD INITIATION - Early stage of differentiation of the primordial flower stem and flowers.
BULBOSUS (bul-BOH-sus) - Having bulbs.
BULBOUS (BUL-bus) - Having the character of a bulb.
BURSICLE (BURR-si-kl) - A pouch-like receptacle.
BURSIFORM (BURR-si-form) - Shaped like a purse.
CAESPITOSE (SES-pi-tose) - growing in dense clumps or tufts; having low stems; forming a turf or mat.
CALCARATE (KAL-kar-ate) - Spurred.
CALCARATUS (kal-ka-RAY-tus) - Having a spur.
CALCAREOUS (kal-KAY-re-us) - Containing an excess of available calcium, usually in the form of calcium carbonate.
CALCARES (kal-CARE-eez) - Spurs.
CALCARIFORM (kal-KAR-i-form) - Spur-shaped.
CALCEIFORM (KAL-se-a-form) - Shaped like a slipper.
CALCEOLATE (KAL-see-oh-late) - Slipper-shaped.
CALCEOLUS (kal-SEE-oh-lus) - Shaped like a little shoe.
CALLOSE (KAL-ohs) - Having a hard protuberance or thickening.
CALLUS (KAL-us) - an isolated thickening of tissue, especially a stiff protuberance on the lip of an orchid; the soft parenchymateous tissue which forms over any wounded or cut surface of a stem. Cuttings develop new roots from the callus.
CALLUS (of orchids) - Prominence, varied in number, form and arrangement on the labellum of certain orchids (Cyrtostylis, Caladenia, Chiloglottis, et al.)
CALOCHEILUS (KAL-o-KY-lus) - Having a beautiful lip.
CALYPTRATE (ka-LIP-trate) - Having a cap-shaped hood.
CALYX (KAY-liks) - The outer of the two series of floral segments. The calyx consists of sepals that may be separate or partly or fully fused to one another and which are commonly green in contrast to the more colorful petals.
CAMPANULATE (kam-PAN-you-lit) - Bell-shaped.
CANALICULATE (KAN-a-LIK-you-lit) - With longitudinal grooves, striated, having one or more channels or grooves.
CANE - An elongated psuedobulb, usually used when describing Dendrobiums or Epidendrums.
CAPITATE (KAP-i-tate) - Shaped like a head; collected into a head or dense cluster; being abruptly enlarged and globose at the tip. Of an inflorescence, with the flowers unstalked and aggregated into a dense cluster; of a stigma, globose, like the head of a pin.
CAPSULE (KAP-sl) - A dry dehiscent fruit composed of more than one carpel. A seed-pod.
CARINA (ka-RI-na) - A structure or a part resembling a keel or ridge down the middle.
CARINATE (KAR-i-nate) - Shaped like a keel or prow; having a ridge down the middle.
CARINIFERUS (kar-in-i-FAIR-us) - Having a keel.
CARINIFORM (kar-IN-i-form) - Shaped like a keel.
CARPEL (KAR-pel) - A simple pistil, or one member of a compound pistil; the fundamental unit of a flowers gynoecium (female organ) usually differentiated into an ovary containing ovules (embryonic seeds) and a narrower style tipped by a stigma which receives pollen. Carpels may be single or multiple, and multiple carpels are often fused together.
CARTILAGINOUS (kar-ti-LAJ-i-nus) - Hard and tough.
CATAPHYLL (CAT-a-fil) - A rudimentary leaf as a cotyledon, scale leaf, or bud-scale concerned with storage and/or protection.
CAUDA (CAW-dah) - A tail. Stalk of the pollinium.
CAUDATE (CAW-date) - Having tailor tails.
CAUDICLE (CAW-di-k'l) - The slender stalk-like appendage of the pollen masses in orchidaceous plants.
CAULESCENS (koh-LES-ens) - Having a tendency to develop stems.
CAULESCENT (koh-LES-n't) - With visible stem; having a leafy stem above ground.
CAULINE (CALL-ine) - Of or on the stem; growing on or belonging to a stem.
CEBOLLETA (SEE-bow-LET-ah) - The leaves of the Oncidium, so-called, because they resemble those of chives.
CELL (sell) - One of the ultimate compartments or vesicles of which plants are composed.
CELLULAR (SELL-u-lar) - Composed of cells.
CEPIFORMIS (SEE-pi-FORM-us) - Onion-shaped (Cepa - Latin name for onion).
CERACEOUS (sir-AY-shi-us) - Like wax; waxy.
CEREOLUS (SEE-re-oh-lus) - Waxy.
CEREOUS (SEE-re-us) - Waxy.
CERNUOUS (SUR-new-us) - Somewhat pendulous, drooping.
CERULESCENS (see CAERULESCENS)
CESPITOSE (SES-pi-tose) - Matted; growing in tufts; in dense clumps.
CHARTACEOUS (kar-TAY-shus) - Resembling, or of the nature of paper; papery.
CHLOROPHYLL (KLO-ro-fil) - The green coloring matter in plants essential in the manufacture of food by the plants.
CHLOROSIS (klo-RO-sis) - Condition induced by reduction in chlorophyll content in green tissue as evident by yellowing.
CHLOROTIC (klo-ROT-ik) - Abnormally yellowed, due to a breaking down of the chlorophyll.
CHROMOGEN (KRO-mo-jen) - Color content of the plant body; color gene.
CHROMOSOME (KRO-mo-som) - One of the rod-like or bead-like bodies in the cell during division, containing the genes.
CILIA (SIL-i-a) - Eyelashes; similar fringe on leaf or bloom.
CILIARIS (SIL-i-AIR-is) - Fringed.
CILIATE (SIL-i-ate) - Marginally fringed with stiff hair.
CIRCINATE (SIR-sin-ate) - Rolled up on the axis with the apex at the center. Applied to vernation or foliation.
ClRCUMBOREAL (SIR-cum-bor-e-al) - In northern regions around the world.
CIRCUMSCISSILE (sir-cum-SIS-il) - Breaking of a transverse split around the circumference.
CIRRHUS (SIR-us) - The tendril-like extension on lips of some Phalaenopsis, or on other organs in other genera, such as the columns of some Catasetums.
CIRRUS (see CIRRHUS)
CITROSMOS (si-TROS-mus) - Citron-scented.
CLAVATE (CLAY-vate) - Club-shape, gradually thickening near one end.
CLAVELLATE (CLA-vel-lit) - Diminutive of clavate.
CLAVIFORM (CLAV-i-form) - Club-shaped.
CLAW (kloh) - The narrow base of a floral segment, especially the petal.
CLAWED - Furnished with a claw.
CLEISTOGAMOUS (klise-TOG-a-mas) - Self-fertilizing in the unopened flower; having small inconspicious flowers that are pollenated from their own anthers.
CLINANDRIUM (kli-NAN-dri-um) - In orchids, a cavity in the apex of the column between the anther sacs often containing the stigmatic surface.
CLON - Plants propagated vegetatively from a single original seedling or plant.
CLONE (See CLON)
COALESCENT (ko-a-LES-int) - Growing together; merging.
COCCINEUS (ko-SIN-e-us) - Bright scarlet.
COCHLEATE (KOCK-le-ate) - Shell-shaped like a valve of a clamshell.
COESPITOSE (SES-pit-ose) - Matted; growing in tufts; in dense clumps.
COHERENT (ko-here-ent) - Having similar parts united.
COLUMN (KOL-um) - The organ formed by the union of the stamens and pistils. In orchids, the fleshy structure in the flower's center consisting of a fused style, stigma, and stamens.
COLUMN-FOOT - Extension of the base of the column in some orchids to which the lip is joined.
COMMUNITY POT - A pot in which multiple orchid plantlets are set out after being removed from the nutrient flask.
COMOSE (KOH-mose) - Bearing a tuft of hair, esp. on a seed.
COMPOST (KOM-post) - Organic material (e.g. litter, vegetable waste, manure) which may be broken down in soil to form humus.
COMPOUND (KOM-pound) - Composed of a number of similar parts.
CONDUPLICATE (kon-DOO-pli-kate) - Folded length-wise on the mid-rib so that halves are applied together by their faces. Said of leaves or petals in vernation.
CONFLUENT (KON-floo-ent) - Convergent, going together.
CONGENER (KON-je-ner) - Of the same genus.
CONGLOMERATE (kon-GLAH-mer-ate) - Clustered; brought together.
CONNATE (KON-nate) - Congenitally or firmly united, referring to like organs.
CONNECTIVE (kon-EK-tiv) - The portion of the column which connects the two portions of the anther.
CONNIVENT (kon-NIVE-ent) - Arched inward so that the points meet; converging but not united.
CONVOLUTE (KON-vo-lute) - Rolled up longitudinally.
COOL-HOUSE - A growing house with night temperatures about 50 degrees (F).
CORALLOID (KOR-al-loid) - Branching, like coral.
CORDATE (KOR-date) - Heart-shaped.
CORIACEOUS (KOR-ri-AY-shus) - Leathery in texture; firm; resembling or made to resemble leather; tough but pliable.
CORM (kor'm) - A bulb-like but solid, enlarged fleshy base of a stem.
CORNIGERUS (kor-NIJ-er-us) - Bearing horns.
CORNU-CERVI (kor-nu-SER-vi) - Stag's horn; flattened like an antler.
CORNUCOPIATE (kor-nu-ko-pi-ate) - Shaped like a cornucopia.
CORNUTA (kor-NEW-at) - Horned.
CORNUTE, CORNUTED (kor-NEW-tid) - Horned.
COROLLA (kor-OL-la) - The petals of a flower collectively; the inner perianth.
CORYMB (KOR-imb) - Any flat topped or convex flower cluster; a form of centripetal inflorescence in which the outermost flowers are first expanded.
CORYMBOSE (kor-IMB-bose) - Resembling a corymb.
CRASSIFOLIUS (KRAS-i-FOE-li-us) - Thick-leaved.
CRASSINODE (krass-in-OH-dee) - Having markedly swollen joints.
CRENATE (KRE-nate) - having margin cut into rounded projections or scallops.
CRENULATE (KRE-new-late) - Minutely crenate.
CREPIDATUS (kreep-i-DAY-tus) - Shaped like old fashioned sandals.
CREST - A toothed, fringed, or hairy thickened portion of the disc of the lip.
CRESTED (KREST-t'd) - Bearing elevated appendage or protruding fringes.
CRINIFERUS (krin-IF-er-us) - Hairy.
CRINITUS (kri-NI-tus) - Having hairs upon the surface.
CRISPUS (KRIS-pus) - Crisped along the margins.
CRISTATA (kris-TA-at) - Crested.
CROCK - Small pieces of earthenware or flowerpots, or other materials, placed in the bottom of a pot to aid in drainage.
CROSS POLLINATION - Fertilization of one plant by pollen from another.
CRUCIFORM (KREW-si-form) - Cross-shaped.
CRYPTOSE (KRIP-tose) - In Greek compounds, signifying concealed.
CUCULLATE (KU-ku-late) - Hooded, having the basal edges rolled inward.
CULTIVAR (KUL-to-var) - A cultivated plant and its vegetative propagations; a horticultural variety or strain. The term "cultivar" is used to replace "variety" for the naming of horticultural plants. Cultivar names are not Latinized.
CUNEATE (KU-ne-ate) - Wedge-shaped or triangular with the narrow end at the point of attachment.
CURVIFOLIUS (kur-vi-FOH-li-us) - Curving leaved.
CUSP - A sharp and rigid point; a point; pointed end.
CUSPIDATE (KUS-pi-date) - Terminating in a point.
CYMBIFORM (SIM-bi-form) - Boat-shaped; convex and keeled.
CYME (sime) - Any form of determinate or centrifugal florescence.
CYMOSE (SI-mose) - Full of shoots.
CYTOGENETICS (ST-toe-je-NET-iks) - Cell formation or development.
DAMPING DOWN - To spray or sprinkle the walks, benches, etc., of a greenhouse to cool it or to increase the humidity without watering the pots or plants.
DAMPING OFF - Disease causing abrupt death of apparently healthy seedlings induced by soil inhabiting fungi virulent to plant growth under conditions of high humidity and temperature.
DECIDUOUS (de-SID-yew-us) - A plant that sheds all its leaves at maturity or at certain seasons.
DECUMBENT (di-KUM-bent) - Of stems, branches, etc., lying or trailing on the ground with extremity tending to ascend.
DECURRENT (di-KUR-ent) - Extending down the stem below the point of insertion. With base continuous along the stem in the form of a wing.
DECURVED (d~KURV-d) - Curved downward.
DECUSSATE (de-KUS-sate) - Arranged in pairs alternately crossing each other at regular angles; arrangement of opposite leaves in which each leaf pair is oriented at right angles to the next pair below it. This creates four vertical ranks of leaves.
DEFLEXED (de-FLEKS-d) - Bent or turned down or away abruptly.
DEFOLIATION (DE-fol-i-ay-shun) - Shedding of leaves either as a season normality or as the result of insect attack or physiological disturbance.
DEHISCE (de-HIS) - To split into definite parts by valves, slits, or pores, as the capsules of orchids. A bursting open of a capsule or pod.
DEHISCENCE (de-HIS-ens) - The opening of an anther for the discharge of pollen, or of a seed pod.
DEHISCENT (de-HIS-sent) - Splitting open along definite lines; opening spontaneously at maturity to release seeds.
DEHISCING (de-HIS-sing) - Same as dehiscence.
DELTOID (DEL-toid) - Triangular in shape; shaped like the Greek letter delta.
DENDRON (DEN-drun) - In Greek compounds, signifying a tree.
DENSIFLORUS (den-si-FLOW-rus) - Having flowers densely clustered.
DENSUS (DEN-sis) - Thick. Alludes to the habit of the plant.
DENTATE (DEN-tate) - Having a toothed margin, notched. (See bidentate and tridentate).
DENTICULATE (den-TIK-yew-late) - Having very small tooth-like projections.
DETERMINATE (de-TUR-mi-nate) - Condition of inflorescence when the terminal flower opens first and so terminates further elongation of the floral axis.
DIAPHANOUS (dye-AF-a-nus) - Transparent or translucent.
DICHOGAMY (dye-KOG-a-mi) - The maturing of sexual parts at different times, effect being avoidance of self-pollination.
DICHOTOMY (dye-KOT-o-mi) - Regular division into pairs.
DIDYMOUS (DID-i-mus) - Twin; two-parted; found in pairs.
DIFFUSE (di-FEWZ) - Of open, loosely spreading habit.
DIGITATE (DIJ-i-tate) - Finger-like. Branches clustering from one point like fingers on a hand.
DIMORPHIC (dye-MOR-fik) - Having two shapes.
DIMORPHISM (dye-MOR-fizm) - Members of the same species, having two distinct shapes or structures.
DIOECIOUS (dye-EE-shus) - Unisexual. Male and female plants born on separate plants. The plant has either pistillate or staminate flowers but not both. Flowers can be termed dioecious if they are of different sexes and borne on the same plant.
DIPHYLLOUS (dye-FILL-us) - Having two leaves.
DIPLOID (DIP-loid) - Having two matched sets of chromosomes.
DISC (disk) - In orchids, the face or upper surface of the lip.
DISCOLOR - Having two-toned leaves, such as green above and purple below.
DISTAL EDGE - Remote from the point of attachment or origin; as, the distal end of a bone or muscle; -- opposite of proximal.
DISTICHOUS (DIS-tik-us) - In two vertical rows on opposite sides of the stem.
DIURNAL - opening flowers during the daytime. Opposite of noctural.
DIVARICATE (dye-VAR-i-cate) - Diverge, branch; spread apart, branch off.
DIVISION (di-VIZH-un) - Separation of a plant into small units.
DOLABRIFORM (do-LAB-re-form) - Hatchet-shaped.
DORSAL (DOOR-sal) - Designating or pertaining to the surface turned away from the axis, as the under or outer side of the leaf. In an orchid flower, the apparent upper sepal is called the dorsal sepal.
DORSIFEROUS (dor-SIF-air-us) - Bearing anything on the back.
EAST INDIA HOUSE - Hottest house for growing plants.
EBRACTEATE (ee-BRAK-te-ate) - Lacking bracts.
ECCALLOSE (e-CAL-lose) - Without protuberances.
ECHINATE (EK-in-ate) - Prickly.
ECOLOGY (e-KOL-o-ji) - The branch of botany which deals with the mutual relation between organisms and their environment.
ECOPHENE (E-ko-feen) - Group of plants, essentially of the same genetic constitution, with members differing in appearance and reproductive vigor due to the influences of their varying environments.
ECORNUTUS (e-kor-NEW-tus) - Without horns.
ECOTYPE (EE-co-type) - Individual variant from species In genetic constitution adjusted as response to a particular environment.
EDAPHIC (e-DAF-ik) - Relating to soil as medium for plant growth.
EDAPHON (e-DAF-on) - Flora and fauna of a soil.
ELATUS (e-LAY-tus) - Tall; taller than the parts or organs of the plant would lead one to expect; tall in comparison with its near allies.
ELEGANS (EL-e-gans) - Very choice; attractive.
ELLIPSOID (e-LIP-soy'd) - Oblong, with regularly rounded ends. A spheroid; a solid figure generated by the revolution of an ellipse about one of its axes. It is called a prolate spheroid, or prolatum, when the ellipse is revolved about the major axis, and an oblate spheroid, or oblatum, when it is revolved about the minor axis.
ELLIPTIC (e-LIP-tik) - Of oval surface widest at middle and tappered to rounded ends.
ELONGATED (e-LON-gay-ted) - Drawn out in length
EMARGINATE (e-MAR-ji-nate) - Notched at the apex as a leaf or petal; having a notched tip, or slightly indented surface.
EMBRYO (EM-bri-oh) - The plantlet in the seed.
ENDEMIC (EN-dem-ik) - occurring in the wild in only one readily defined region.
ENDOSPERM (EN-do-spurm) - The nutritive tissue within seeds of flowering plants, surrounding and absorbed by the embryo.
ENSIFORM (EN-si-form) - Sword shaped, having sharp edges and tapering to a slender point.
ENTIRE (en-TIRE) - With margin unbroken, in reference to the floral segments and leaf-blade. Having the margin continuous, not broken with teeth or serrations.
ENTOMOPHILY (en-to-MOF-i-li) - Pollination through agency of insects.
ENZYME (EN-zime) - Organic substance capable of effecting by catalytic action the transformation of some other compound or compounds.
EPHEMERAL (e-FEM-er-al) - Lasting for brief period.
EPICHILE (EP-i-kil) - The terminal lobe of the labellum in certain orchids.
EPINENDROIDES (e-pi-den-DRO-id-ez) - Resembling an Epidendrum.
EPIDERMIS (ep-i-DER-mis) - Outermost primary tissue layer covering entire plant body, functioning primarily as a controller of water loss and as protective coverring against injury.
EPIPHYTIC (EP-i-fit-ik) - A plant which is an epiphyte.
EPIPHYTE (EP-i-fite) - An air plant. A plant which grows upon other plants but is not parasitic upon them. Many orchids are epiphytic in their natural habitats.
EPSEUDOBULBOUS (ee-SOO-do-BUL-bus) - Without pseudobulbs.
EQUITANT (e-KWA-tant) - Overlapping each other; -- said of leaves whose bases are folded so as to overlap and bestride the leaves within or above them, as in the iris.
ERICOID (ER-ii-koid) - With slender leaves, often sharp pointed and xeromorphic. Pertaining to or resembling the genus Erica.
EROSTRATE (e-ROS-trate) - Without a beak.
ETIOLATION (e-ti-o-LAY-shun) - Effect on green plant from nonproduction of chlorophyll, the normally green tissue becoming white or yellow by unmasking of carotenoides within the chloroplasts.
EVANESCENT (ev-a-NES-ent) - Quickly fading: to wilt or to lose the scent.
EVERGREEN (EV-er-green) - Retaining foliage throughout the year.
EXCAVATUS (eks-cav-VAY-tus) - Hollowed.
EXCURRENT (eks-KUR-ent) - Passing beyond, as a nerve of a floral segment or leaf projecting beyond the margin; projecting beyond the apex, as the midrib of a mucronate leaf.
EXOTIC (eg-ZOT-ik) - Not native; foreign. Not endemic.
EXSERTED (EKS-ser-tid) - Protruding, e.g. of stamens with respect to a corolla tube.
EXTINE (EKS-tin or tine) - The outer coating of a pollen grain.
EXTRORSE (eks-TRORSE) - Looking or facing outward.
EYE - A bud on the rhizome of a sympodial orchid that will eventually develop into a new psuedobulb and flower.
FALCATE (FAL-kate) - Flat, curving and tapering to a point; like a sickle.
FARINOSE (FAIR-i-nose) - Covered with a meal-like powder.
FASCIATION (FASH-I-AY-shun) - Malformation in which normally cylindrical structures (stems, petioles, roots) become flattened to form ribbon or thallus-like structures.
FASCICLE (FAS-I-kl) - A close cluster of flowers, leaves, stems, roots.
FASCICLED (FAS-ikl`d) - Growing in a bundle, tuft, or close cluster; as, the fascicled leaves of the pine or larch; the fascicled roots of the dahlia; fascicled muscle fibers; fascicled tufts of hair.
FASCICULAR (fa-SIK-cu-lar) - Arranged in a fascicle, a bundle or cluster.
FERTILE (FUR-til) - Said of pollen bearing stamens and seed bearing fruits.
FERTILIZATION - 1. The effect of pollination resulting in conversion of ovules into seeds. 2. Adding of a nutrient to soil or substrate, for absorption by the roots.
FETID (FET-ed or FEE-tid) - Having a disagreeable odor.
FIBROUS (FYE-brus) - Composed of or resembling fibers; the texture of roots; a tufted root system.
FILAMENT (FIL-a-ment) - Sterile stalk of a stamen bearing the anther at its tip.
FILIFORM (FIL-I-form) - Thread-like.
FIMBRIATE (FIM-bri-ate) - Fringed.
FIR BARK - A potting medium consisting of chopped or ground bark of White, Red or Douglas fir.
FLABBELLATE (fla-BEL-ate) - Fan-shaped.
FLABELLIFORM (fla-BEL-li-form) - Fan-shaped.
FLACCID (FLAK-sid or FLA-sid) - Soft, not rigid, weak.
FLASK - 1. Glass container used in germination of orchid seeds or the growth of very young seedlings. 2. To sow orchid seeds or transplant seedlings in such a container.
FLASKING - The process of sowing orchid seed, etc.
FLEXUOUS (FLEK-shu-us) - Bending alternately in opposite directions.
FLOCCOSE (FLO-cos) - Wooly or fuzzy.
FLORIFEROUS (flo-RIF-er-us) - Flower bearing; blooming freely.
FLORIGEN (FLO-rij-en) - A flowering hormone related to photo periodism.
FOETID (See FETID)
FOLIACEOUS (FO-li-AY-shus) - Resembling a leaf in form and texture.
FOLIAGE (FOH-li-aje) - Collective term for leafy units (leaves, leaf-buds, and their associate structures).
FOLIAR SPRAY (fo-LI-ar spray)- Many minor nutrients and trace elements beneficial to growth are best absorbed through the stomata of an orchids leaves when mixed with water and sprayed on the plant.
FOOT (of column) - Callus-like growth at basal end of column.
FOOT-CANDLE - A unit of light equivalent to that produced by a standard candle at a distance of one foot.
FORMOSUS (for-MOE-sus) - Beautiful in shape; strinkingly ornamental.
FORMULA - In regards to hybrids, the parents' name forming the hybrid. The names are connected by the multiplication sign X (by)
FRACTIFLEX (FRACK-ti-flex) - Zig-zag.
FUGACIOUS (fu-GAY-shus) - Fall or withering away almost immediately after development.
FULVUS (See FULVOUS)
FUNICLE (FEW-ni-kl) - Basal stalk of an ovule or seed.
FURCATE (FUR-kate) - Forked or two horned.
FURCATUS (see FURCATE)
FURFURACEUS (FUR-few-RAY-shus) - Scurfy.
FUSED (fewz'd) - United.
FUSIFORM (FEW-zi-form) - Spindle-shaped; circular in cross section, broadest at center and tapering evenly to ends, i.e. narrower at both ends than at the center.