Arboretum Botanical Glossary

Branchlet A small branch growing from a larger one. This feature helps describe plant form, function, or identification.

Bud A growth point from which a leaf, stem, or flower can develop Did you know? Tree buds are powerful winter identification clues because each species has distinctive bud shape, color, size, and arrangement.

Bulb An swollen underground plant part, which stores food, usually during a dormant season, composed of scales or leaf bases. Did you know? An onion is a true bulb. Its edible layers are modified leaves that store food for the plant.

Bulbiferous Bearing bulbs. This feature helps describe plant support, storage, water movement, or vegetative spread.

Bulbil A tiny bulb, usually borne above ground. This feature helps describe plant support, storage, water movement, or vegetative spread. Did you know? Some lilies and garlic relatives produce bulbils above ground that can fall off and grow into new plants.

Caducous Falling off very early. This feature helps describe plant form, function, or identification.

Calcareous Containing a large amount of calcium carbonate, limestone bearing, chalky.

Callus A thick tissue that develops to cover a cut or injury. Did you know? Successful grafting depends on callus tissue forming between the scion and rootstock, eventually joining the two plants into one.

Calyx The outer structure of a flower, consisting of individual petal-like parts called sepals Did you know? The leafy green crown on top of a strawberry is the persistent calyx that remains after flowering.

Campanulate Having a bell-shaped flower (like the Campanula, commonly known as Bellflower) Did you know? Bell-shaped flowers often shelter nectar from rain while giving bees a clear entrance.