Lesson 2: Description, Botany & Harvest Flashcards
Why is it useful to know a plant’s native region?
how and where it likes to grow
sustainable harvesting concerns
cultivation
history and traditional uses within the region
Why is it useful to know the geographic distribution of a plant?
offers an understanding of the environmental requirements for the plant to thrive, ie- sunlight, soil pH, climate zone and hardiness
What is apex of leaf?
the tip farthest from the stem of plant.
what is a petiol?
the “branch” at the base of the leaf that connects the leaf to the stem of the plant.
what is a cordate leaf?
a heart shaped leaf with a sharp tip at the apex, and the prtiol coming out between the rounded arches at the base of the lef- like a “spade”.
what is an elliptical leaf?
a shape that is longer than it is wide, tapering relatively eavenly at the apex and base.
what is a lanceolate leaf?
a shape that is longer than it is wide, with a smaller taper at the apex than at the base
what is a linear leaf?
a narrow leaf that is the same width at the base and apex.
what is an ovate leaf?
a rounded leaf that is wider at the base
what is an acuminate?
an apex that tapers to a long, thin point
what is a saggitate?
a base that looks like the base of an arrow head
what is truncate?
a square base
what is a simple leaf?
a leaf that presents as a single blade
what is a compound leaf?
smaller leaflets connect to the midrib with stems of their own (like a fern).
what are margins?
the edge of the leaf
what is an entire margin?
a completely smooth leaf edge all the way around.
what is a cleft margin?
rounded shap with margin almost halfway to the midrib: oak leaf
What is a crenate margin?
small rounded teeth around the edges of the leaf
what is a dentate margin?
sharp teeth that point outwardss around the edge of the leaf
what is an incised margin?
irregular teeth with deep notches that cut toward the midrib.
What is lobed margin?
rounded shape with notches that cut less than halfway to the midrib.
what is a serrated margin?
teeth that point toward the apex around the edges of the leaf
what is sinuate margin?
wavy edge, larger than crenate, not as pronounced as lobed or cleft.
what is a node?
the area that the petiole attaches to the stem.
What are alternate nodes?
a single leaf coming out of a node, with one leaf on the left, and nothing across from it, and then another leaf on the right, either a little above or below the left hand leaf.
What are opposite nodes?
two leaves at each node, one on either side of the stem, directly across from one another
What are rosettes?
a cluster of leaves qat the base of the plant that form a rosette pattern, often presenting with small petioles and nodes.
What are whorled leaf patterns?
leaves form a circle around the stem at regular intervals.
What is a complete flower?
flower presents with stamen, petals, pistils and sepals
What is an incomplete flower?
flower is lacking any of the following: pistils, sepals, petals or stamens
what is a perfect flower?
has functioning stamens and pistils
what is an imperfect flower?
lacking either a stamen or pistil
what is a pistillate flower?
a female flower with pistils, but lacking stamens
what is a staminate flower?
a male flower with stamens but lacking pistils
what is a solitary flower?
one flower per stem.
what is inflorescense?
a cluster of flowers.
what is indeterminate inflorescense?
a cluster of flowers with the youngest flowers located at the top, or along the inside of the inflorescence.
what is determinate inflorescence?
a cluster of flowers with the youngest flowers located at the bottom or along the outside of the inflorescence.
what is the life span of an annual plant?
one year
What is the life span of a biennial plant?
two years
what is the life span of a perennial plant?
more than two years
