Purdue Arboretum botanical terminology reference and learning database.
Barbellate With short stiff hairs or barbs. This feature helps describe plant form, function, or identification. Did you know? Burdock burrs have tiny hook-like barbs; their clingy design inspired the invention of Velcro.
Barbellulate With very tiny short stiff hairs or barbs. This feature helps describe plant form, function, or identification.
Basal At the base of. This feature helps describe plant form, function, or identification.
Beak A narrow or elongated tip. This feature helps describe plant form, function, or identification.
Bearded Bearing one or more tufts of long hairs. This feature helps describe plant form, function, or identification. Did you know? The fuzzy “beard” on a bearded iris helps guide pollinators toward the flower center.
Bifid Shaped like a two-pointed fork. This feature helps describe plant form, function, or identification.
Boss A raised usually pointed projection. This feature helps describe plant form, function, or identification.
Branchlet A small branch growing from a larger one. This feature helps describe plant form, function, or identification.
The Purdue Arboretum is a collaboration between the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture and Administrative Operations