Arboretum Botanical Glossary

Inflorescence The flowering part of a plant. This feature helps explain how flowers are arranged, how pollination happens, or how seeds begin to form.

Internode The portion of a stem between two nodes. This feature helps describe plant support, storage, water movement, or vegetative spread. Did you know? Leggy houseplants have long internodes because stems stretch toward light in low-light conditions.

Introrse Turned inward or opening inward. This feature helps describe plant form, function, or identification.

invasive Invasive plants have the potential to cause environmental, human health, or financial harm. However, this is a broad category that could contain native plants that can become problematic in optimal conditions. Did you know? Japanese knotweed is so aggressive that it can damage pavement, building foundations, and streambanks.

Juvenile An early stage of plant growth, sometimes displaying a leaf form or a habit that is not characteristic of the mature plant

Keel A ridge, like the ridge along the bottom of a boat. Did you know? In pea flowers, the keel petals enclose the stamens and pistil until a bee lands and triggers pollen release.

Lacerate Cut or cleft irregularly, as if torn. This feature helps describe plant form, function, or identification.

Lamina The flat surface or blade of a leaf or petal.

Lanceolate Lance-shaped (a long narrow point). This feature helps describe plant form, function, or identification.

Lax Loose, with parts open and spreading as opposed to compact.