A-Z Botany Terms With Definitions – Botany Glossary

Botany Terms Starting With A

• Abaxial: Referring to the surface of an organ facing away from the axis, such as the lower surface of a leaf.
• Abscission: The process by which a plant sheds one of its parts, such as a leaf or fruit.
• Acaulescent: Describing a plant that has no visible stem above ground.
• Accrescent: Growing larger after flowering, typically referring to parts of the flower.
• Achene: A small, dry, one-seeded fruit that does not open to release the seed.
• Acicular: Needle-shaped, often used to describe leaves.
• Acuminate: Tapering to a long point.
• Acute: Sharp or pointed, often used to describe leaf tips.
• Adaxial: Referring to the surface of an organ facing towards the axis, such as the upper surface of a leaf.
• Adventitious: Referring to roots or shoots that grow from an unusual place, such as roots from stems or leaves.
• Aerenchyma: Plant tissue containing air spaces, typically found in aquatic plants.
• Aggregate Fruit: A fruit formed from multiple ovaries of one flower.
• Ala: A wing-like structure, often found on seeds or stems.
• Albumen: The nutritive tissue surrounding the embryo within seeds of flowering plants.
• Alkaloid: A group of naturally occurring chemical compounds that mostly contain basic nitrogen atoms.
• Allelopathy: The chemical inhibition of one plant by another, due to the release of toxic substances.
• Alternate: Referring to leaves that are not opposite each other on the stem but are staggered.
• Ament: A type of inflorescence, also known as a catkin, typically found in trees like willows and oaks.
• Amphibious: Plants that can grow both in water and on land.
• Anemophilous: Pollinated by wind.
• Angiosperm: A plant that has flowers and produces seeds enclosed within a carpel.
• Annual: A plant that completes its life cycle in one year.
• Anther: The part of a stamen that contains the pollen.
• Anthesis: The period during which a flower is fully open and functional.
• Apex: The tip or highest point of a plant structure, such as a leaf or stem.
• Apical Meristem: The region at the tip of a plant shoot or root that is responsible for growth.
• Apocarpous: Having carpels that are free from one another.
• Aposepalous: Having sepals that are free from one another.
• Arboreal: Relating to trees; living in trees.
• Aril: A specialized outgrowth from a seed that partly or completely covers the seed.
• Aromatic: Having a strong, pleasant smell, often due to essential oils.
• Asexual Reproduction: Reproduction without the fusion of gametes.
• Auricle: A small ear-shaped projection, often found at the base of a leaf or petal.
• Autotroph: An organism that produces its own food from inorganic substances.
• Auxin: A class of plant hormones that regulate growth and development.
• Axil: The angle between the upper side of a leaf or stem and the supporting stem or branch.
• Axillary Bud: A bud that develops in the axil of a leaf.
• Awn: A bristle-like appendage found on the spikelets of many grasses.
• Axenic: Free from other living organisms, often used to describe cultures.
• Acaulescent: Having no stem or appearing to have none.
• Acropetal: Developing or moving towards the apex.
• Actinomorphic: Radially symmetrical; can be divided into equal halves along multiple planes.
• Adhesion: The process by which different kinds of molecules stick together.
• Adventitious Root: A root that grows from an unusual place, such as a stem or leaf.
• Aerial Root: A root that grows above the ground.
• Alate: Having wing-like extensions.
• Allele: One of two or more versions of a gene.
• Allogamy: Cross-fertilization between different plants.
• Amphicarpic: Producing two types of fruit, one above ground and one below.
• Anisophyllous: Having leaves of different sizes or shapes on the same plant.

Botany Terms Starting With B

• Backcross: A cross between a hybrid and one of its parents.
• Bacteria: Single-celled, omnipresent organisms appearing in spiral, spherical, or rod shape.
• Bacteriophage: A virus that infects and replicates within bacteria.
• Bark: The protective outer covering of the stems and roots of trees and other woody plants.
• Basal: Situated at the base of a plant or plant part.
• Basipetal: Developing or moving towards the base.
• Berry: A fleshy fruit without a stone, typically containing multiple seeds.
• Biennial: A plant that takes two years to complete its life cycle.
• Bilateral Symmetry: Symmetry in which the body can be divided into two equal halves along a single plane.
• Binomial Nomenclature: The system of naming species using two terms, the genus name and the species name.
• Biotic: Relating to or resulting from living organisms.
• Blade: The broad, flat part of a leaf.
• Blanching: The process of excluding light from a plant or plant part to produce a pale color.
• Blight: A plant disease typically caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses, resulting in withering or death.
• Bloom: A powdery or waxy coating on the surface of some fruits and leaves.
• Bole: The trunk of a tree.
• Bract: A modified leaf associated with a flower or inflorescence.
• Bracteole: A small bract, often found on the pedicel of a flower.
• Bristle: A stiff hair or hair-like structure.
• Bud: An undeveloped or embryonic shoot, often protected by scales.
• Bulb: A rounded underground storage organ consisting of a short stem surrounded by fleshy leaves or leaf bases.
• Bulbil: A small bulb or bulb-like structure that can develop into a new plant.
• Bundle Sheath: A layer of cells surrounding a vascular bundle in a plant.
• Bur: A rough or prickly seed case or fruit.
• Buttress Root: Large, above-ground roots that provide support to a tree.
• Bifoliate: Having two leaves.
• Bipinnate: A compound leaf with leaflets arranged on either side of a common axis, and each leaflet further divided into smaller leaflets.
• Blade: The broad, flat part of a leaf.
• Bole: The trunk of a tree.
• Bract: A modified leaf associated with a flower or inflorescence.
• Bracteole: A small bract, often found on the pedicel of a flower.
• Bristle: A stiff hair or hair-like structure.
• Bud: An undeveloped or embryonic shoot, often protected by scales.
• Bulb: A rounded underground storage organ consisting of a short stem surrounded by fleshy leaves or leaf bases.
• Bulbil: A small bulb or bulb-like structure that can develop into a new plant.
• Bundle Sheath: A layer of cells surrounding a vascular bundle in a plant.
• Bur: A rough or prickly seed case or fruit.
• Buttress Root: Large, above-ground roots that provide support to a tree.
• Bifoliate: Having two leaves.
• Bipinnate: A compound leaf with leaflets arranged on either side of a common axis, and each leaflet further divided into smaller leaflets.
• Blade: The broad, flat part of a leaf.
• Bole: The trunk of a tree.
• Bract: A modified leaf associated with a flower or inflorescence.
• Bracteole: A small bract, often found on the pedicel of a flower.
• Bristle: A stiff hair or hair-like structure.
• Bud: An undeveloped or embryonic shoot, often protected by scales.
• Bulb: A rounded underground storage organ consisting of a short stem surrounded by fleshy leaves or leaf bases.
• Bulbil: A small bulb or bulb-like structure that can develop into a new plant.
• Bundle Sheath: A layer of cells surrounding a vascular bundle in a plant.
• Bur: A rough or prickly seed case or fruit.

Botany Terms Starting With C

• Calyx: The outermost whorl of a flower, consisting of sepals.
• Cambium: A layer of actively dividing cells between xylem and phloem tissues responsible for secondary growth.
• Capsule: A dry fruit that releases seeds when it splits open.
• Carpel: The female reproductive organ of a flower, consisting of an ovary, a stigma, and usually a style.
• Catkin: A slim, cylindrical flower cluster with inconspicuous or no petals, typically wind-pollinated.
• Chlorophyll: The green pigment in plants that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.
• Chloroplast: An organelle in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs.
• Cleistogamous: Flowers that self-pollinate without opening.
• Climber: A plant that grows upwards by clinging to a support.
• Clone: A group of genetically identical organisms derived from a single parent.
• Coccus: A spherical bacterium.
• Coleoptile: The protective sheath covering the emerging shoot in monocotyledons.
• Coleorhiza: The protective sheath covering the emerging root in monocotyledons.
• Collenchyma: A type of plant tissue that provides support and flexibility.
• Compound Leaf: A leaf with multiple leaflets.
• Conifer: A tree that produces cones and needle-like or scale-like leaves.
• Corm: A short, vertical, swollen underground plant stem that serves as a storage organ.
• Corolla: The collective term for the petals of a flower.
• Cortex: The outer layer of tissue immediately below the epidermis of a stem or root.
• Cotyledon: The first leaf or pair of leaves produced by the embryo of a seed plant.
• Creeper: A plant that grows along the ground or other surfaces by extending stems or runners.
• Cross-Pollination: The transfer of pollen from the flower of one plant to the flower of another plant.
• Crown: The part of a plant where the stem meets the roots.
• Cuticle: A waxy layer covering the epidermis of plants, reducing water loss.
• Cyanobacteria: Photosynthetic bacteria, also known as blue-green algae.
• Cyme: A type of flower cluster with a central stem bearing a single terminal flower that develops first.
• Cystolith: A crystal of calcium carbonate formed in a plant cell.
• Cytokinin: A class of plant hormones that promote cell division and growth.
• Cytoplasm: The material within a cell, excluding the nucleus.
• Cytoskeleton: A network of fibers that provides support and shape to a cell.
• Cytosol: The fluid component of the cytoplasm.
• Cytotoxin: A substance toxic to cells.
• Cytoplasm: The material within a cell, excluding the nucleus.
• Cytoskeleton: A network of fibers that provides support and shape to a cell.
• Cytosol: The fluid component of the cytoplasm.
• Cytotoxin: A substance toxic to cells.
• Cytoplasm: The material within a cell, excluding the nucleus.
• Cytoskeleton: A network of fibers that provides support and shape to a cell.
• Cytosol: The fluid component of the cytoplasm.
• Cytotoxin: A substance toxic to cells.
• Cytoplasm: The material within a cell, excluding the nucleus.
• Cytoskeleton: A network of fibers that provides support and shape to a cell.
• Cytosol: The fluid component of the cytoplasm.
• Cytotoxin: A substance toxic to cells.
• Cytoplasm: The material within a cell, excluding the nucleus.
• Cytoskeleton: A network of fibers that provides support and shape to a cell.
• Cytosol: The fluid component of the cytoplasm.
• Cytotoxin: A substance toxic to cells.
• Cytoplasm: The material within a cell, excluding the nucleus.
• Cytoskeleton: A network of fibers that provides support and shape to a cell.

Botany Terms Starting With D

• Deciduous: Plants that shed their leaves annually.
• Dehiscent: A fruit that splits open to release seeds when ripe.
• Dendrology: The scientific study of trees.
• Dichotomous Key: A tool used for identifying organisms based on a series of choices between alternative characteristics.
• Dicotyledon: A plant that has two seed leaves or cotyledons.
• Dioecious: Having male and female reproductive organs on separate plants.
• Diploid: A cell or organism having two sets of chromosomes.
• Dispersal: The movement or transport of seeds away from the parent plant.
• Dormancy: A period in which a plant or seed is alive but not actively growing.
• Drupe: A fleshy fruit with a single seed enclosed in a hard endocarp.
• Duramen: The heartwood of a tree, which is usually darker and harder than the outer sapwood.
• Dwarfism: The condition of being abnormally small or stunted in growth.
• Dioecious: Having male and female reproductive organs on separate plants.
• Diploid: A cell or organism having two sets of chromosomes.
• Dispersal: The movement or transport of seeds away from the parent plant.
• Dormancy: A period in which a plant or seed is alive but not actively growing.
• Drupe: A fleshy fruit with a single seed enclosed in a hard endocarp.
• Duramen: The heartwood of a tree, which is usually darker and harder than the outer sapwood.
• Dwarfism: The condition of being abnormally small or stunted in growth.
• Dioecious: Having male and female reproductive organs on separate plants.
• Diploid: A cell or organism having two sets of chromosomes.
• Dispersal: The movement or transport of seeds away from the parent plant.
• Dormancy: A period in which a plant or seed is alive but not actively growing.
• Drupe: A fleshy fruit with a single seed enclosed in a hard endocarp.
• Duramen: The heartwood of a tree, which is usually darker and harder than the outer sapwood.
• Dwarfism: The condition of being abnormally small or stunted in growth.
• Dioecious: Having male and female reproductive organs on separate plants.
• Diploid: A cell or organism having two sets of chromosomes.
• Dispersal: The movement or transport of seeds away from the parent plant.
• Dormancy: A period in which a plant or seed is alive but not actively growing.
• Drupe: A fleshy fruit with a single seed enclosed in a hard endocarp.
• Duramen: The heartwood of a tree, which is usually darker and harder than the outer sapwood.
• Dwarfism: The condition of being abnormally small or stunted in growth.
• Dioecious: Having male and female reproductive organs on separate plants.
• Diploid: A cell or organism having two sets of chromosomes.
• Dispersal: The movement or transport of seeds away from the parent plant.
• Dormancy: A period in which a plant or seed is alive but not actively growing.
• Drupe: A fleshy fruit with a single seed enclosed in a hard endocarp.
• Duramen: The heartwood of a tree, which is usually darker and harder than the outer sapwood.
• Dwarfism: The condition of being abnormally small or stunted in growth.
• Dioecious: Having male and female reproductive organs on separate plants.
• Diploid: A cell or organism having two sets of chromosomes.
• Dispersal: The movement or transport of seeds away from the parent plant.
• Dormancy: A period in which a plant or seed is alive but not actively growing.
• Drupe: A fleshy fruit with a single seed enclosed in a hard endocarp.
• Duramen: The heartwood of a tree, which is usually darker and harder than the outer sapwood.
• Dwarfism: The condition of being abnormally small or stunted in growth.
• Dioecious: Having male and female reproductive organs on separate plants.

Botany Terms Starting With E

• Ecosystem: A community of living organisms and their physical environment interacting as a system.
• Ectomycorrhiza: A type of mycorrhiza in which the fungus forms a sheath around the root of a plant.
• Elaiosome: A fleshy structure attached to seeds that attracts ants, aiding in seed dispersal.
• Embryo: The young, developing plant within a seed.
• Endocarp: The innermost layer of the pericarp that surrounds the seed in a fruit.
• Endosperm: Nutritive tissue within seeds of flowering plants, providing food for the developing embryo.
• Ephemeral: Plants with a very short life cycle, often completing it in a few weeks.
• Epidermis: The outermost layer of cells covering the leaves, stems, and roots of plants.
• Epiphyte: A plant that grows on another plant but is not parasitic.
• Erosion: The process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth’s surface by wind or water flow.
• Etiolation: The process in which a plant becomes pale and elongated due to lack of light.
• Eukaryote: An organism whose cells contain a nucleus and other organelles enclosed within membranes.
• Evergreen: Plants that retain their leaves throughout the year.
• Exine: The outer layer of the wall of a pollen grain or spore.
• Exocarp: The outermost layer of the pericarp of a fruit.
• Exudate: A substance, such as sap or resin, that oozes out of a plant.
• Endophyte: A fungus or bacterium that lives inside a plant for at least part of its life without causing apparent disease.
• Epicotyl: The part of a seedling stem above the cotyledons and below the first true leaves.
• Endodermis: The innermost layer of cells in the root cortex, regulating the flow of water and nutrients.
• Epinasty: The downward bending of leaves or other plant parts, often due to differential growth.
• Erose: Having a margin that appears to be irregularly eroded or gnawed.
• Eutrophication: The enrichment of an ecosystem with chemical nutrients, typically compounds containing nitrogen or phosphorus.
• Exine: The outer layer of the wall of a pollen grain or spore.
• Exocarp: The outermost layer of the pericarp of a fruit.
• Exudate: A substance, such as sap or resin, that oozes out of a plant.
• Endophyte: A fungus or bacterium that lives inside a plant for at least part of its life without causing apparent disease.
• Epicotyl: The part of a seedling stem above the cotyledons and below the first true leaves.
• Endodermis: The innermost layer of cells in the root cortex, regulating the flow of water and nutrients.
• Epinasty: The downward bending of leaves or other plant parts, often due to differential growth.
• Erose: Having a margin that appears to be irregularly eroded or gnawed.

Botany Terms Starting With F

• Fascicle: A bundle or cluster of leaves, flowers, or stems.
• Fertilization: The fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote.
• Fibrous Root: A root system made up of many small roots that spread out from the base of the plant.
• Filament: The stalk of a stamen that supports the anther.
• Floret: A small flower, typically one of many in a cluster.
• Follicle: A dry, unilocular fruit formed from one carpel, containing two or more seeds.
• Frond: The leaf or leaf-like part of a palm, fern, or similar plant.
• Fruit: The mature ovary of a flower, containing seeds.
• Fungicide: A chemical that destroys fungi or inhibits their growth.
• Fungus: A group of spore-producing organisms feeding on organic matter, including molds, yeast, mushrooms, and toadstools.
• Furrow: A long, narrow trench made in the ground by a plow, especially for planting seeds or irrigation.
• Fusiform: Spindle-shaped; tapering at both ends.
• Fertilizer: A chemical or natural substance added to soil to increase its fertility.
• Fibrous Root: A root system made up of many small roots that spread out from the base of the plant.
• Filament: The stalk of a stamen that supports the anther.
• Floret: A small flower, typically one of many in a cluster.
• Follicle: A dry, unilocular fruit formed from one carpel, containing two or more seeds.
• Frond: The leaf or leaf-like part of a palm, fern, or similar plant.
• Fruit: The mature ovary of a flower, containing seeds.
• Fungicide: A chemical that destroys fungi or inhibits their growth.
• Fungus: A group of spore-producing organisms feeding on organic matter, including molds, yeast, mushrooms, and toadstools.
• Furrow: A long, narrow trench made in the ground by a plow, especially for planting seeds or irrigation.
• Fusiform: Spindle-shaped; tapering at both ends.
• Fertilizer: A chemical or natural substance added to soil to increase its fertility.
• Fibrous Root: A root system made up of many small roots that spread out from the base of the plant.
• Filament: The stalk of a stamen that supports the anther.
• Floret: A small flower, typically one of many in a cluster.
• Follicle: A dry, unilocular fruit formed from one carpel, containing two or more seeds.
• Frond: The leaf or leaf-like part of a palm, fern, or similar plant.
• Fruit: The mature ovary of a flower, containing seeds.

Botany Terms Starting With G

• Gametophyte: The haploid phase in the life cycle of a plant that produces gametes.
• Gene: A unit of heredity that is transferred from a parent to offspring and determines some characteristic of the offspring.
• Genus: A rank in the classification of organisms, above species and below family.
• Geophyte: A perennial plant that survives adverse seasons as a dormant underground structure.
• Germination: The process by which a seed develops into a new plant.
• Gibberellin: A class of plant hormones that promote stem elongation, seed germination, and other growth processes.
• Glabrous: Lacking hairs or trichomes; smooth.
• Glaucous: Covered with a waxy or powdery coating that gives a bluish-green appearance.
• Glochid: A small, barbed hair or bristle, especially on cacti.
• Grafting: A horticultural technique where tissues from one plant are inserted into those of another so that the two sets of vascular tissues may join together.
• Gramineae: An older name for the grass family, now known as Poaceae.
• Guard Cells: Specialized cells in the epidermis of leaves, stems, and other organs that are used to control gas exchange.
• Gymnosperm: A group of seed-producing plants that includes conifers, cycads, Ginkgo, and gnetophytes.
• Gynoecium: The female reproductive part of a flower, consisting of one or more carpels.
• Guttation: The exudation of water droplets from the edges of leaves.
• Glandular: Having glands that secrete substances.
• Glume: A bract (leaf-like structure) below a spikelet in grasses.
• Gravitropism: A plant’s growth response to gravity.
• Ground Tissue: Tissue that makes up most of the plant body, excluding the epidermis and vascular tissue.
• Guttation: The exudation of water droplets from the edges of leaves.
• Glandular: Having glands that secrete substances.
• Glume: A bract (leaf-like structure) below a spikelet in grasses.
• Gravitropism: A plant’s growth response to gravity.
• Ground Tissue: Tissue that makes up most of the plant body, excluding the epidermis and vascular tissue.
• Guttation: The exudation of water droplets from the edges of leaves.
• Glandular: Having glands that secrete substances.
• Glume: A bract (leaf-like structure) below a spikelet in grasses.
• Gravitropism: A plant’s growth response to gravity.
• Ground Tissue: Tissue that makes up most of the plant body, excluding the epidermis and vascular tissue.
• Guttation: The exudation of water droplets from the edges of leaves.

Botany Terms Starting With H

• Habitat: The natural environment in which a plant lives.
• Halophyte: A plant adapted to growing in saline conditions.
• Haploid: Having a single set of unpaired chromosomes.
• Hardwood: The dense, hard wood of angiosperm trees.
• Herbaceous: Plants with non-woody stems that die back at the end of the growing season.
• Herbicide: A chemical substance used to kill or inhibit the growth of plants.
• Heterosporous: Producing two different types of spores, microspores and megaspores.
• Hilum: The scar on a seed marking the point of attachment to its seed vessel.
• Hirsute: Covered with coarse, stiff hairs.
• Holoparasite: A parasitic plant that derives all its nutrients from its host.
• Humus: The organic component of soil, formed by the decomposition of leaves and other plant material.
• Hybrid: An organism resulting from the crossbreeding of two different species or varieties.
• Hydrophyte: A plant adapted to growing in water or very moist conditions.
• Hypocotyl: The part of a seedling stem below the cotyledons and above the root.
• Hypogynous: Having the ovary situated above the other floral parts.
• Hastate: Shaped like an arrowhead, but with the basal lobes pointing outward.
• Heliotropism: The directional growth of a plant in response to sunlight.
• Herbarium: A collection of preserved plant specimens.
• Heterotrophic: Obtaining nutrients by consuming other organisms.
• Hirsute: Covered with coarse, stiff hairs.
• Holoparasite: A parasitic plant that derives all its nutrients from its host.
• Humus: The organic component of soil, formed by the decomposition of leaves and other plant material.
• Hybrid: An organism resulting from the crossbreeding of two different species or varieties.
• Hydrophyte: A plant adapted to growing in water or very moist conditions.
• Hypocotyl: The part of a seedling stem below the cotyledons and above the root.
• Hypogynous: Having the ovary situated above the other floral parts.
• Hastate: Shaped like an arrowhead, but with the basal lobes pointing outward.
• Heliotropism: The directional growth of a plant in response to sunlight.
• Herbarium: A collection of preserved plant specimens.
• Heterotrophic: Obtaining nutrients by consuming other organisms.

Botany Terms Starting With I

• Imbricate: Overlapping like tiles or shingles.
• Indehiscent: Not splitting open to release seeds when ripe.
• Inflorescence: The arrangement of flowers on a plant.
• Involucre: A whorl of bracts surrounding a flower or flower cluster.
• Internode: The segment of a plant stem between the points where leaves are attached.
• Integument: The outer protective layer of an ovule.
• Indumentum: A covering of hairs or scales on a plant.
• Involute: Rolled inward.
• Intercalary: Situated between two points, often referring to meristems.
• Incised: Cut sharply and deeply.
• Inferior Ovary: An ovary positioned below the attachment of other floral parts.
• Imperfect Flower: A flower that lacks either stamens or pistils.
• Irregular Flower: A flower with petals of different shapes or sizes.
• Infructescence: The arrangement of fruits on a plant.
• Invasive Species: A species that spreads rapidly and competes with native species.
• Involucral Bract: A bract that forms part of an involucre.
• Indeterminate Growth: Growth that is not terminated by the formation of a flower or other reproductive structure.
• Intergeneric Hybrid: A hybrid between species of different genera.
• Introrse: Facing inward, typically referring to anthers.
• Isozyme: Different forms of an enzyme that catalyze the same reaction.

Botany Terms Starting With J

• Juvenile Phase: The early stage of a plant’s life cycle before it reaches maturity.
• Juga: Ridges or folds, often referring to the structure of leaves or seeds.
• Junction Zone: The area where different tissues or structures meet.
• Juncaceous: Belonging to the Juncaceae family, commonly known as the rush family.
• Jugal: Pertaining to the yoke or pair, often referring to paired structures.
• Japonica: Referring to plants originating from Japan.
• Jasmine: A genus of shrubs and vines in the olive family, known for their fragrant flowers.
• Jasmonic Acid: A plant hormone involved in stress responses and developmental processes.
• Jatropha: A genus of flowering plants in the spurge family, known for their medicinal and biofuel properties.
• Jelly Fungus: A group of fungi with a gelatinous texture, often found on decaying wood.
• Junciform: Rush-like in appearance.
• Jugal Suture: The line of fusion between two structures, often referring to seed pods.
• Juncus: A genus of rushes, grass-like plants found in wetlands.
• Juglandaceae: The walnut family, including trees like walnuts and hickories.
• Japonicum: Referring to species native to Japan.
• Jasminum: The botanical name for the jasmine genus.
• Juncaginaceae: A family of flowering plants known as the arrowgrass family.
• Japonicus: A species epithet indicating Japanese origin.
• Jasmonate: A derivative of jasmonic acid, involved in plant defense mechanisms.
• Juncaceous: Pertaining to or resembling rushes.

Botany Terms Starting With K

• Karyotype: The number and appearance of chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell.
• Keel: A ridge, often referring to the central ridge of a leaf or petal.
• Knot: A hard, cross-grained mass of wood where a branch was.
• Knotweed: A common name for plants in the genus Polygonum.
• Kranz Anatomy: A specialized structure in C4 plants where bundle sheath cells surround the vascular bundles.
• Kudzu: A fast-growing vine native to Asia, often considered invasive.
• Karyogamy: The fusion of two nuclei within a cell.
• Karyokinesis: The process of nuclear division in cell division.
• Karyoplasm: The substance within the nucleus of a cell.
• Karyotype: The complete set of chromosomes in a species or individual.
• Kermes: A red dye obtained from the bodies of certain scale insects.
• Kernel: The edible part of a seed or nut.
• Kettle: A depression or hollow in the ground formed by glacial activity.
• Knotgrass: A common name for plants in the genus Polygonum.
• Kohlrabi: A cultivar of cabbage with a swollen stem.
• Kopje: A small hill or rocky outcrop in a savanna.
• Krigia: A genus of flowering plants in the daisy family.
• Kudzu Bug: An insect that feeds on kudzu and other legumes.
• Kumquat: A small, orange-like fruit from the genus Fortunella.
• Kundt’s Tube: An apparatus used to demonstrate standing waves in a column of air.
• Kurtosis: A measure of the “tailedness” of the probability distribution of a real-valued random variable.
• Kymograph: An instrument for recording variations in pressure.
• Kyanite: A blue silicate mineral used in ceramics and electronics.
• Kymogram: A graphical representation of variations in pressure.
• Kymographion: An instrument for recording variations in pressure.
• Kymography: The process of recording variations in pressure.
• Kymographoscope: An instrument for viewing kymograms.

Botany Terms Starting With L

• Lamina: The flat part of a leaf.
• Lateral: Situated at the side.
• Leaflet: A small leaf-like part of a compound leaf.
• Legume: A type of fruit that splits open along two seams.
• Lenticel: A small, spongy area on the surface of a stem that allows gas exchange.
• Lepidote: Covered with small scales.
• Liana: A woody vine that climbs trees.
• Ligule: A small, membranous structure at the base of a leaf blade.
• Limb: The expanded part of a petal or sepal.
• Lipid: A type of organic molecule that is insoluble in water.
• Lobe: A rounded projection or division of a leaf or other organ.
• Locule: A small cavity or compartment within an organ.
• Lodicule: A small scale at the base of a grass flower.
• Lomentum: A type of legume that breaks into one-seeded segments.
• Lyrate: Shaped like a lyre, with a large terminal lobe and smaller lateral lobes.
• Laciniate: Cut into narrow, irregular lobes.
• Lactiferous: Producing or containing a milky fluid.
• Lamella: A thin plate or layer.
• Lanceolate: Shaped like a lance, with a broad base and tapering to a point.
• Lanuginose: Covered with soft, woolly hairs.
• Laticifer: A cell or vessel that contains latex.
• Lax: Loose or open in structure.
• Leaf Scar: The mark left on a stem where a leaf was attached.
• Leguminous: Belonging to the legume family.
• Lenticellate: Having lenticels.
• Leptosporangiate: Having sporangia that develop from a single cell.
• Ligulate: Having a strap-shaped structure.
• Lignin: A complex organic polymer that strengthens cell walls.
• Lignotuber: A woody swelling at the base of a stem that contains buds for regrowth.
• Limnophyte: A plant that grows in or near water.
• Lithophyte: A plant that grows on rocks.
• Littoral: Pertaining to the shore of a body of water.
• Lobate: Having lobes.
• Lomentaceous: Resembling or relating to a lomentum.
• Lunate: Crescent-shaped.
• Lustrous: Shiny or glossy.
• Lyriform: Shaped like a lyre.
• Lysigenous: Formed by the dissolution of cells.
• Lysimeter: An instrument for measuring the amount of water percolating through soil.
• Lythraceous: Belonging to the Lythraceae family, which includes loosestrife.

Botany Terms Starting With M

• Macrophyte: Aquatic plants large enough to be seen with the naked eye.
• Meristem: Plant tissue that remains embryonic as long as the plant lives, allowing for indeterminate growth.
• Mesophyll: The inner tissue (parenchyma) of a leaf, containing many chloroplasts.
• Micropyle: A small opening in the surface of an ovule, through which the pollen tube penetrates.
• Monocot: A group of flowering plants whose seeds typically contain only one embryonic leaf, or cotyledon.
• Mycorrhiza: A symbiotic association between a fungus and the roots of a vascular plant.
• Mitosis: A process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells.
• Morphogenesis: The development of the form of an organism and its structures.
• Monocarpic: Plants that flower, set seeds, and then die.
• Mesocarp: The middle layer of the pericarp (fruit wall), often fleshy.
• Micronutrient: Essential elements needed by plants in small quantities.
• Mycelium: The vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a network of fine white filaments (hyphae).
• Monadelphous: Stamens united by their filaments into a single group.
• Mucilage: A gelatinous substance produced by plants, often for water storage or seed germination.
• Megaspore: The larger spore that germinates into a female gametophyte in heterosporous plants.
• Microspore: The smaller spore that germinates into a male gametophyte in heterosporous plants.
• Mesophyte: Plants that require a moderate amount of water.
• Monocotyledon: Another term for monocot, plants with one seed leaf.
• Mycology: The study of fungi.
• Mutagenesis: The process of generating genetic mutations.
• Mimicry: The resemblance of one organism to another or to an object in its surroundings for concealment and protection.
• Monoculture: The cultivation of a single crop in a given area.
• Monecious: Having both male and female reproductive organs in the same individual.
• Mycotoxin: Toxic substances produced by fungi.
• Microsatellite: Repeated sequences of DNA that are used in genetic studies.
• Mitochondrion: An organelle in cells that produces energy.
• Monophyletic: A group of organisms that consists of all the descendants of a common ancestor.
• Mesophyte: Plants adapted to environments with a moderate supply of water.
• Mucilage: A thick, gluey substance produced by nearly all plants and some microorganisms.
• Mutualism: Symbiosis that is beneficial to both organisms involved.
• Mycotrophy: The nutritional relationship between a fungus and a plant.
• Monocarpic: Plants that flower and set seeds only once before dying.
• Micronutrient: Essential elements required by plants in small amounts.
• Mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationships between fungal hyphae and plant roots.
• Monocotyledon: Plants with one seed leaf.
• Mitosis: Cell division resulting in two identical daughter cells.
• Morphogenesis: The development of the form and structure of an organism.
• Mesophyll: The inner tissue of a leaf.
• Micropyle: The opening in the ovule of a seed plant.
• Macrophyte: Large aquatic plants.

Botany Terms Starting With N

• Node: The part of a plant stem from which one or more leaves emerge.
• Nectar: A sugary fluid secreted by plants to attract pollinators.
• Nectary: A gland that secretes nectar.
• Nematode: A type of roundworm, some of which are plant parasites.
• Nitrate: A form of nitrogen that plants can absorb and use.
• Nitrogen Fixation: The process by which certain bacteria convert nitrogen gas into ammonia, making it available to plants.
• Nucellus: The central part of an ovule, containing the embryo sac.
• Nutation: The bending movements executed by some plant organs.
• Nyctinasty: The movement of plant parts in response to the onset of darkness.
• Nodulation: The formation of nodules on the roots of leguminous plants by nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
• Nucellus: The tissue within the ovule of a seed plant.
• Nutation: The circular or elliptical movement of a plant organ.
• Nectary: A gland that secretes nectar.
• Nematode: A type of roundworm, some of which are plant parasites.
• Nitrate: A form of nitrogen that plants can absorb and use.
• Nitrogen Fixation: The process by which certain bacteria convert nitrogen gas into ammonia.
• Nucellus: The central part of an ovule, containing the embryo sac.
• Nutation: The bending movements executed by some plant organs.
• Nyctinasty: The movement of plant parts in response to the onset of darkness.
• Nodulation: The formation of nodules on the roots of leguminous plants by nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
• Nucellus: The tissue within the ovule of a seed plant.
• Nutation: The circular or elliptical movement of a plant organ.
• Nectary: A gland that secretes nectar.
• Nematode: A type of roundworm, some of which are plant parasites.
• Nitrate: A form of nitrogen that plants can absorb and use.
• Nitrogen Fixation: The process by which certain bacteria convert nitrogen gas into ammonia.
• Nucellus: The central part of an ovule, containing the embryo sac.
• Nutation: The bending movements executed by some plant organs.
• Nyctinasty: The movement of plant parts in response to the onset of darkness.
• Nodulation: The formation of nodules on the roots of leguminous plants by nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
• Nucellus: The tissue within the ovule of a seed plant.
• Nutation: The circular or elliptical movement of a plant organ.
• Nectary: A gland that secretes nectar.
• Nematode: A type of roundworm, some of which are plant parasites.
• Nitrate: A form of nitrogen that plants can absorb and use.
• Nitrogen Fixation: The process by which certain bacteria convert nitrogen gas into ammonia.
• Nucellus: The central part of an ovule, containing the embryo sac.
• Nutation: The bending movements executed by some plant organs.
• Nyctinasty: The movement of plant parts in response to the onset of darkness.
• Nodulation: The formation of nodules on the roots of leguminous plants by nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Botany Terms Starting With O

• Obcordate: Heart-shaped with the notch at the apex.
• Oblanceolate: Lance-shaped, with the widest part near the tip.
• Oblique: Slanting or inclined, not perpendicular or parallel.
• Oblong: Longer than broad, with parallel sides.
• Obovate: Egg-shaped, with the broader end at the top.
• Obtuse: Blunt or rounded at the end.
• Ochrea: A sheath around the stem formed by the fusion of two stipules.
• Ocrea: A sheath around the stem formed by the fusion of two stipules.
• Ovary: The part of the pistil that contains the ovules.
• Ovule: The structure within the ovary that develops into a seed after fertilization.
• Opposite: Leaves or other structures that are paired at the same level on opposite sides of the stem.
• Orbicular: Circular or nearly circular in outline.
• Orthotropous: A type of ovule that is straight with the micropyle at the apex.
• Osmosis: The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration.
• Ovate: Egg-shaped, with the broader end at the base.
• Ovoid: Egg-shaped.
• Oxalate: A salt or ester of oxalic acid, often found in plant tissues.
• Oxidation: A chemical reaction in which a substance loses electrons.
• Oxygenation: The process of adding oxygen to a substance.
• Ozone: A form of oxygen with three atoms per molecule, often found in the atmosphere.
• Osmoregulation: The control of water and solute concentrations in an organism.
• Osmotic Pressure: The pressure required to prevent the flow of water across a semipermeable membrane.
• Osmotic Potential: The potential of water molecules to move from a hypotonic solution to a hypertonic solution across a semipermeable membrane.
• Osmotic Balance: The equilibrium between the osmotic pressure of two solutions.
• Osmotic Gradient: The difference in osmotic pressure between two solutions.
• Osmotic Stress: The stress experienced by an organism due to changes in osmotic pressure.
• Osmotic Adjustment: The process by which cells adjust their osmotic pressure in response to changes in the environment.
• Osmotic Regulation: The regulation of osmotic pressure in an organism.
• Osmotic Homeostasis: The maintenance of a stable osmotic pressure in an organism.
• Osmotic Equilibrium: The state in which the osmotic pressure of two solutions is equal.

Botany Terms Starting With P

• Palisade Cells: Elongated cells in the leaf mesophyll that are rich in chloroplasts and are the main site of photosynthesis.
• Panicle: A compound inflorescence with a main axis and lateral branches that bear flowers.
• Parenchyma: Fundamental tissue composed of thin-walled living cells that function in photosynthesis and storage.
• Pedicel: The stalk of an individual flower in an inflorescence.
• Peduncle: The stalk of an inflorescence or a solitary flower.
• Peltate: Shield-shaped, with the stalk attached to the lower surface rather than the edge.
• Perennial: A plant that lives for more than two years.
• Perianth: The outer part of a flower, consisting of the calyx (sepals) and corolla (petals).
• Pericarp: The wall of a fruit, developed from the ovary wall.
• Pericycle: A layer of cells just inside the endodermis of roots, where lateral roots originate.
• Perigynous: Having floral parts (sepals, petals, and stamens) attached around the edge of a cup-shaped receptacle containing the ovary.
• Petiole: The stalk that attaches a leaf blade to the stem.
• Phloem: The vascular tissue responsible for the transport of nutrients and carbohydrates produced by photosynthesis.
• Photosynthesis: The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.
• Phototropism: The orientation of a plant or other organism in response to light.
• Pinnate: Having leaflets arranged on either side of the stem, typically in pairs opposite each other.
• Pistil: The female reproductive part of a flower, consisting of an ovary, a style, and a stigma.
• Pith: The central tissue in stems and roots, often spongy and used for storage.
• Plasmodesmata: Channels through cell walls that connect the cytoplasms of adjacent cells.
• Pollination: The transfer of pollen from the male anther to the female stigma.
• Polyploidy: The condition of having more than two complete sets of chromosomes.
• Procambium: A primary meristematic tissue that differentiates into primary xylem and phloem.
• Prothallus: The gametophyte stage in the life cycle of ferns and other pteridophytes.
• Protoderm: The outermost primary meristem, which gives rise to the epidermis.
• Protoplast: The living part of a plant cell, including the cytoplasm, nucleus, and plasma membrane.
• Pseudobulb: A storage organ found in many orchids, formed from a thickened stem.
• Pteridophyte: A division of plants that includes ferns and their relatives.
• Pulvinus: A swelling at the base of a leaf stalk that is involved in leaf movement.
• Pyrenoid: A protein body in the chloroplasts of algae and hornworts, associated with the storage of starch.
• Pyriform: Pear-shaped.

Botany Terms Starting With Q

• Quadrate: Square or rectangular in shape.
• Quiescent: Inactive or dormant.
• Quincunx: An arrangement of five objects with four at the corners of a square or rectangle and one at the center.
• Quinate: Arranged in groups of five.
• Quercetin: A flavonoid found in many plants, known for its antioxidant properties.
• Quercus: The genus of oak trees.
• Quillwort: A type of aquatic or semi-aquatic plant in the genus Isoetes.
• Quinone: A type of aromatic compound found in some plants.
• Quiescence: A state of dormancy or inactivity in seeds or plants.
• Quinovose: A sugar found in some plant glycosides.
• Quercitron: A yellow dye obtained from the bark of the black oak.
• Quill: The hollow, sharp-pointed part of a feather or spine.Quinate: Having parts arranged in groups of five.
• Quinone: A class of organic compounds with a six-membered aromatic ring.
• Quercetin: A plant pigment with antioxidant properties.
• Quiescent Center: A region in the root apical meristem where cells divide infrequently.
• Quinone Reductase: An enzyme involved in the detoxification of quinones.
• Quercitron Bark: The bark of the black oak, used as a source of dye.
• Quillwort: A type of aquatic plant in the genus Isoetes.
• Quinovose: A sugar found in some plant glycosides.
• Quiescent: Inactive or dormant.
• Quincunxial: Arranged in a quincunx pattern.
• Quercitron: A yellow dye obtained from the bark of the black oak.
• Quill: The hollow, sharp-pointed part of a feather or spine.
• Quinate: Having parts arranged in groups of five.
• Quinone: A class of organic compounds with a six-membered aromatic ring.
• Quercetin: A plant pigment with antioxidant properties.
• Quiescent Center: A region in the root apical meristem where cells divide infrequently.
• Quinone Reductase: An enzyme involved in the detoxification of quinones.
• Quercitron Bark: The bark of the black oak, used as a source of dye.

Botany Terms Starting With R

• Radicle: The part of a plant embryo that develops into the primary root.
• Rachis: The main axis of a compound leaf or inflorescence.
• Ramentum: Thin, brownish scales on the surface of ferns.
• Ramet: An individual member of a clone.
• Receptacle: The part of a flower stalk where the parts of the flower are attached.
• Recurved: Curved backward or downward.
• Redox: A type of chemical reaction involving the transfer of electrons.
• Reflexed: Bent backward.
• Reniform: Kidney-shaped.
• Resin: A sticky substance produced by some plants.
• Resupinate: Upside down or twisted.
• Reticulate: Net-like, often referring to leaf venation.
• Rhizome: A horizontal, underground stem that produces new shoots and roots.
• Rhizosphere: The region of soil influenced by the roots of plants.
• Ribosome: A cell organelle that synthesizes proteins.
• Rostellum: A small beak-like projection.
• Rosette: A circular arrangement of leaves or other structures.
• Rugose: Wrinkled or corrugated.
• Runner: A horizontal stem that grows along the ground and produces new plants.
• Rupicolous: Growing on rocks.
• Rust: A type of fungal disease that affects plants.
• Raceme: A type of inflorescence with flowers arranged along a central stem.
• Radial: Arranged like rays around a central point.
• Ramenta: Thin, brownish scales on the surface of ferns.
• Ramification: The process of branching.
• Raphe: A ridge or seam on a seed or ovule.
• Ray Flower: A type of flower found in the outer part of a composite inflorescence.
• Replum: The framework of a pod that remains after the seeds have been released.
• Retinaculum: A structure that holds an organ or part in place.
• Rhizobium: A genus of bacteria that forms symbiotic relationships with legumes.

Botany Terms Starting With S

• Sap: The fluid transported in xylem cells or phloem sieve tube elements of a plant.
• Saprophyte: An organism that feeds on dead organic matter.
• Scion: A young shoot or twig of a plant, especially one cut for grafting.
• Sclerenchyma: A type of plant tissue composed of cells with thickened, lignified walls.
• Seed: A plant’s unit of reproduction, capable of developing into another plant.
• Sepal: A part of the flower of angiosperms (flowering plants).
• Sessile: Attached directly by the base; not having a stalk.
• Silique: A type of fruit (seed capsule) of two fused carpels.
• Simple Leaf: A leaf with a single blade.
• Sorus: A cluster of sporangia (structures producing and containing spores) in ferns and fungi.
• Spadix: A type of inflorescence with small flowers borne on a fleshy stem.
• Spathe: A large bract that encloses or subtends a spadix.
• Spermatophyte: A seed-producing plant.
• Spike: A type of inflorescence in which flowers are borne on a central stem.
• Spine: A stiff, sharp-pointed structure on a plant.
• Spore: A reproductive cell capable of developing into a new individual without fusion with another cell.
• Sporophyte: The diploid multicellular stage in the life cycle of a plant.
• Stamen: The pollen-producing reproductive organ of a flower.
• Stigma: The part of the pistil where pollen germinates.
• Stipule: A small leaf-like appendage at the base of a leaf stalk.
• Stolon: A horizontal branch from the base of a plant that produces new plants from buds at its tips.
• Stoma: A pore found in the epidermis of leaves, stems, and other organs.
• Style: The slender stalk that connects the stigma and the ovary.
• Subtend: To extend under or be situated under.
• Succulent: A plant with thick, fleshy tissues adapted to water storage.
• Suture: A seam or line of junction between two parts, such as the line of dehiscence in a fruit.
• Symbiosis: Interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association.
• Syncarpous: Having the carpels of the gynoecium united.
• Syngamy: The fusion of two cells, or of their nuclei, in reproduction.
• Synsepalous: Having the sepals united.

Botany Terms Starting With T

• Taproot: The main root of a plant, growing straight downward from the stem.
• Tendril: A slender, thread-like appendage of a climbing plant.
• Tepal: A segment of the outer whorl in a flower that has no differentiation between petals and sepals.
• Thallus: The body of a plant-like organism that is not differentiated into stem and leaves.
• Thorn: A stiff, sharp-pointed, straight or curved woody projection on the stem or other part of a plant.
• Tiller: A shoot that arises from the base of a grass plant.
• Tomentum: A covering of dense, matted, woolly hairs.
• Transpiration: The process by which moisture is carried through plants from roots to small pores on the underside of leaves.
• Trichome: A small hair or other outgrowth from the epidermis of a plant.
• Triploid: Having three sets of chromosomes.
• Tropism: The growth or movement of a plant in response to an environmental stimulus.
• Tuber: A thickened underground part of a stem or rhizome.
• Tunic: A loose membranous outer covering of a bulb or corm.
• Turion: A type of bud that is capable of growing into a new plant.
• Turgor: The state of turgidity and resulting rigidity of cells or tissues.
• Tussock: A small area of grass that is thicker or longer than the grass growing around it.
• Twiners: Plants that climb by twining around a support.
• Tylosis: A balloon-like outgrowth of a parenchyma cell into the lumen of an adjacent vessel.
• Tympanum: A membrane or thin layer of tissue.

Botany Terms Starting With U

• Umbel: A type of inflorescence in which the flower stalks arise from a common point.
• Undulate: Having a wavy surface, edge, or margin.
• Unguiculate: Having a claw-like base, as in some petals.
• Unicellular: Consisting of a single cell.
• Unifoliate: Having a single leaf.
• Unisexual: Having either male or female reproductive organs, but not both.
• Urceolate: Shaped like a small urn or pitcher.
• Uredospore: A type of spore produced by rust fungi.
• Utricle: A small, bladder-like structure.
• Umbelliferous: Bearing umbels.
• Underground Stem: A stem that grows below the soil surface.
• Uniseriate: Arranged in a single row or series.
• Urceolate Corolla: A corolla that is urn-shaped.
• Utricularia: A genus of carnivorous plants also known as bladderworts.
• Ulva: A genus of green algae, commonly known as sea lettuce.
• Uredinium: A mass of uredospores produced by rust fungi.
• Unarmed: Lacking spines or thorns.
• Uncinate: Hooked or curved at the end.
• Unifoliolate: Having a single leaflet.
• Unilocular: Having a single compartment or chamber.
• Uninodal: Having a single node.
• Uniparous: Producing one offspring at a time.
• Uniseriate Trichomes: Hair-like structures arranged in a single row.
• Urceolate Leaves: Leaves that are urn-shaped.
• Utricular: Relating to or resembling a small bladder.
• Ultrastructure: The detailed structure of a biological entity.
• Unicarpellate: Having a single carpel.
• Unifacial: Having only one face or surface.
• Uniflorous: Bearing a single flower.
• Uropetal: Moving or directed towards the tail end.

Botany Terms Starting With V

• Vacuole: A membrane-bound organelle in plant cells used for storage and maintaining cell rigidity.
• Valvate: Having parts that meet at the edges without overlapping.
• Vascular Bundle: A strand of conducting vessels in the stem or leaves of a plant.
• Vascular Cambium: A layer of tissue in plants that produces new vascular tissue.
• Vegetative Propagation: A form of asexual reproduction in plants.
• Vein: A vascular structure in a leaf.
• Velamen: A spongy layer of cells covering the roots of some epiphytic plants.
• Venation: The arrangement of veins in a leaf.
• Ventral: Relating to the underside or belly of an organism.
• Vernation: The arrangement of leaves in a bud.
• Vernacular Name: The common name of a plant.
• Vernalization: The induction of a plant’s flowering process by exposure to the prolonged cold of winter.
• Versatile Anther: An anther that is attached at or near its middle to the filament.
• Verticillate: Arranged in whorls.
• Vesicle: A small fluid-filled sac.
• Vessel Element: One of the cell types found in xylem.
• Vestigial: A structure that has lost its original function through evolution.
• Viability: The ability of a seed to germinate and grow.
• Vine: A plant with a growth habit of trailing or climbing stems.
• Virgate: Having a wand-like shape.
• Vivipary: The germination of seeds inside the fruit while still attached to the parent plant.
• Volva: A cup-like structure at the base of some mushrooms.
• Vulpinic Acid: A yellow pigment found in some lichens.
• Vascular Plant: A plant that has specialized tissues for conducting water and nutrients.
• Vascular Tissue: The tissue in plants that conducts water and nutrients.
• Vegetative Growth: The growth of the non-reproductive parts of a plant.
• Venation Pattern: The arrangement of veins in a leaf.
• Vernation Pattern: The arrangement of young leaves in a bud.
• Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza: A type of mycorrhiza in which the fungus penetrates the cortical cells of the roots of a vascular plant.
• Viviparous Germination: The germination of seeds while still attached to the parent plant.

Botany Terms Starting With W

• Water Potential: The potential energy of water in a system compared to pure water.
• Whorl: A circular arrangement of leaves, flowers, or other organs around a central point.
• Wilt: The drooping of leaves and stems due to loss of water.
• Wood: The hard, fibrous structural tissue found in the stems and roots of trees and other woody plants.
• Waxy Cuticle: A protective layer covering the epidermis of leaves and stems.
• Wing: A thin, flat extension of a plant part, often found on seeds or fruits.
• Woolly: Covered with long, soft hairs.
• Wound Response: The reaction of a plant to physical damage.
• Waterlogging: Saturation of soil with water, leading to reduced oxygen availability.
• Weed: A plant considered undesirable in a particular situation.
• Whip Graft: A method of grafting where the scion and rootstock are cut diagonally and joined.
• Waxy Bloom: A powdery or waxy coating on the surface of some fruits and leaves.
• Wind Pollination: Pollination carried out by the wind.
• Woody Plant: A plant that produces wood as its structural tissue.
• Water Table: The level below which the ground is saturated with water.
• Whip: A young, unbranched tree or shrub.
• Water Lily: An aquatic plant with floating leaves and large flowers.
• Wheat: A cereal grain used for food.
• Worm Castings: The nutrient-rich waste produced by earthworms.
• Wreath: A circular arrangement of flowers or leaves.
• Wattle: A framework of interwoven sticks and branches.
• Water Hyacinth: A free-floating aquatic plant known for its rapid growth.
• Wheat Germ: The embryo of the wheat kernel.
• Witch Hazel: A shrub known for its medicinal properties.
• Water Chestnut: An aquatic plant with edible corms.
• Woolly Aphid: An insect that infests plants and produces a woolly covering.
• Wildflower: A flower that grows in the wild, without cultivation.
• Water Fern: A type of fern that grows in or near water.
• Wormwood: A plant known for its bitter taste and medicinal uses.
• Wheatgrass: The young grass of the wheat plant, often used for its health benefits.

Botany Terms Starting With X

• Xanthophyll: A yellow pigment found in plants.
• Xerophyte: A plant adapted to dry environments.
• Xylem: The vascular tissue in plants that conducts water and nutrients from the roots.
• Xeriscaping: Landscaping designed to reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation.
• Xerophyte: A plant adapted to dry environments.

Botany Terms Starting With Y

• Yam: A tuberous root vegetable from the Dioscorea genus.
• Yardang: A streamlined hill carved from bedrock by wind erosion.
• Yew: A coniferous tree or shrub of the genus Taxus.
• Yellowing: The process of leaves turning yellow due to chlorosis.
• Yield: The amount of crop produced in a given area.
• Yoke: A structure used to support plants.
• Yolk: The nutrient-rich part of a seed or spore.
• Yuccaceous: Pertaining to the Yucca plant family.
• Yard: An enclosed area of land, often used for gardening.
• Yew Berry: The red, fleshy fruit of the yew tree.
• Yam Bean: A leguminous plant with edible tubers.
• Yam Daisy: A perennial herb with edible tubers.
• Yam Family: The plant family Dioscoreaceae.
• Yam Plant: A plant that produces edible tubers.
• Yam Vine: The climbing stem of a yam plant.
• Yarrow: A flowering plant of the genus Achillea.
• Yellow Birch: A species of birch tree with yellowish bark.
• Yellow Dock: A perennial herb with yellow roots.
• Yellow Flag: A species of iris with yellow flowers.
• Yellowwood: A tree with yellowish wood.
• Yew Tree: A coniferous tree of the genus Taxus.
• Yucca: A genus of perennial shrubs and trees.
• Yucca Moth: An insect that pollinates yucca plants.
• Yam Leaf: The leaf of a yam plant.
• Yam Root: The tuberous root of a yam plant.
• Yam Starch: Starch extracted from yam tubers.
• Yam Vine: The climbing stem of a yam plant.
• Yellow Bell: A flowering plant with yellow bell-shaped flowers.
• Yellow Cedar: A species of coniferous tree with yellowish wood.
• Yellow Pine: A species of pine tree with yellowish wood.

Botany Terms Starting With Z

• Zygote: The cell formed by the fusion of two gametes.
• Zygomorphic: Having bilateral symmetry.
• Zonate: Having zones or bands of color.
• Zoospore: A motile spore that uses a flagellum for locomotion.
• Zygomycetes: A class of fungi characterized by the formation of zygospores.
• Zygosporangium: A sporangium in which zygospores are produced.
• Zygospore: A thick-walled resting spore formed by the fusion of two similar gametes.
• Zygophyllaceae: A family of flowering plants known as the caltrop family.
• Zygote: The initial cell formed when two gametes are joined.
• Zygomorphic Flower: A flower with bilateral symmetry.
• Zygomorphy: The condition of having bilateral symmetry.
• Zygophyllum: A genus of flowering plants in the caltrop family.
• Zygotic: Pertaining to a zygote.
• Zygomorphous: Having bilateral symmetry.
• Zygosporangia: Sporangia that produce zygospores.
• Zygosporic: Pertaining to zygospores.
• Zygomycota: A division of fungi that form zygospores.
• Zygomycetous: Pertaining to the Zygomycetes class of fungi.
• Zygomorphous Flower: A flower with bilateral symmetry.
• Zygomorphic Inflorescence: An inflorescence with bilateral symmetry.
• Zygomorphy: The condition of having bilateral symmetry.
• Zygosporangium Formation: The process of forming zygosporangia.
• Zygosporic Reproduction: Reproduction involving the formation of zygospores.
• Zygotic Embryo: An embryo formed from a zygote.
• Zygotic Stage: The stage of development involving a zygote.
• Zygotic Division: The division of a zygote.
• Zygotic Development: The development of an organism from a zygote.
• Zygotic Growth: The growth of an organism from a zygote.
• Zygotic Mitosis: The mitotic division of a zygote.
• Zygotic Meiosis: The meiotic division of a zygote.