Arboretum Botanical Glossary

Endemic Native only to a particular region. This term helps explain how a plant grows, survives, spreads, or fits into its habitat. Did you know? Endemic plants are conservation priorities because they naturally occur in only one region of the world.

Endosperm The starch and oil containing part of many seeds. This feature is connected to how seeds are protected, nourished, or moved away from the parent plant. Did you know? Cornstarch comes from corn endosperm, the food-storage tissue meant to feed the young seedling.

Entire With a smooth even unbroken margin, usually referring to the edge of a leaf

Epidermis The outermost cell layer (skin) of a non-woody plant structure Did you know? The waxy cuticle on the epidermis helps water bead and roll off leaf surfaces.

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.

Espalier A tree or shrub that has been pruned so that its branches lie flat against a wall, fence, or trellis

Evanescent Rapidly disappearing. This feature helps describe plant form, function, or identification.

Exfoliate To shed or peel off. This feature helps describe plant form, function, or identification. Did you know? River birch and paperbark maple are prized for exfoliating bark that peels in colorful sheets.

Exserted Projecting beyond the surrounding parts. This feature helps describe plant form, function, or identification. Did you know? Exserted stamens place pollen where it can easily brush onto insects or birds visiting the flower.

Falcate Sickle shaped, curved. This feature helps describe plant form, function, or identification.