Glossary: Taxonomy / naming

Purdue Arboretum botanical terminology reference and learning database.

368 Botanical Definitions 10 Categories A–Z Alphabetical Index Illustrated Growth Forms
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Taxonomy / naming

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Illustrated Growth Forms & Tree Silhouettes

Compare visual architectures: fastigiate, columnar, weeping, spreading, and more.

Fastigiate Columnar Pendulous / Weeping
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Synonyms: Families

Family A rank in the scientific classification of plants that groups together related genera sharing key characteristics—often in the structure of their flowers, fruits, or seeds. For example, the rose family (Rosaceae) includes not only roses but also apples, cherries, and hawthorns. Recognizing a plant's family is often the first step in identifying it and understanding how it relates to other plants.

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