Purdue Arboretum botanical terminology reference and learning database.
Actinomorphic Radially symmetric, so that a line drawn through the middle at any angle will produce a mirror image on both sides Did you know? Radially symmetrical flowers can often be approached by pollinators from many directions, unlike irregular flowers that guide pollinators to enter one way.
Amphibious Growing both on land and in water. This term helps record, compare, or interpret plant and site information. Did you know? Some amphibious plants grow different leaf shapes underwater than they do above water, allowing the same plant to function in both environments.
Aphyllous Without leaves. This term helps record, compare, or interpret plant and site information.
Calcareous Containing a large amount of calcium carbonate, limestone bearing, chalky.
Chlorophyll The green pigment in plants that allows them to use sunlight to absorb and store energy, a process called photosynthesis
Chlorosis Yellowing of leaves due to a lack of chlorophyll. This term helps record, compare, or interpret plant and site information.
Dimorphic Having two different forms, often a juvenile form and an adult form. Did you know? English ivy has different juvenile and adult leaf forms; the adult flowering form has unlobed leaves.
Epiphyte A plant growing on another plant, but not taking nourishment from it. Did you know? Many tropical orchids are epiphytes that grow attached to tree branches without taking food from the tree.
Globose Round, globe-shaped. This term helps record, compare, or interpret plant and site information.
Hemispheric Shaped like half of a sphere. This term helps record, compare, or interpret plant and site information.
The Purdue Arboretum is a collaboration between the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture and Administrative Operations