Glossary of terms - D
dead-head
Cutting out spent flower stems or blossoms, depending on how the plant grows. This is done to encourage further blooming or to remove developing seed pods so that plant energy is not diverted unnecessarily.
decorticate
To shed or peel off the outer bark of a tree.
deflexed
Bent downwards.
dehiscent
Breaking open at maturity to release contents. Generally refers to the release of seed from some fruits; also pollen from anthers.
deltoid
With the shape of the Greek letter, i.e. like an equilateral triangle.
dentate
Toothed.
denticulate
Finely toothed.
desertification
The gradual transformation of habitable land into desert, usually caused by climate change or by destructive use of the land.
dichotomous
Divided or dividing into two parts or classifications.
dicotyledon
A group of flowering plants whose seed typically has two embryonic leaves or cotyledons.
dimorphic
Two distinct forms of the same parts in one plant, as in differing winter/summer leaves, or juvenile leaves and adult leaves.
dioecious
Individual plants produce either male or female unisexual flowers (androecious or gynoecious respectively), but not both - this term is derived from the Greek for two households.
diploid
The usual number of whole chromosome sets (i.e. 2 sets).
disk flowers
A composite flower (e.g. daisy) is made up of a petal-like ray flowers encircling a round area of disk flowers.
disjunct populations
geographically separate populations, often a great distance from each other
diuretic
A substance that tends to increase the discharge of urine.
drupe
A fleshy fruit with thin skin and a central stone containing the seed (e.g., a plum, cherry, almond, or olive).
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