Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Species
A single kind of plant or animal. Linnaean unit of plant classification; group of populations of similar morphology and constant distinctive characters, thought to be capable of interbreeding and producing offspring. A taxonomic category subordinate to a genus (or subgenus) and superior to a subspecies or variety, composed of individuals possessing common characters distinguishing them…
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Sepals
The parts of a flower that grow just outside of the petals and protect the flower in bud. Together, all the sepals of a flower make up its calyx. Leaflike structures, usually green, arranged in a whorl below the petals of a flower. Some sepals are colorful and indistinguishable from petals. The individual divisions of…
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Rhizome
An underground stem that usually grows horizontally and looks like a root. Underground stem, distinguished from root by its nodes, buds or scale-like leaves. A creeping underground stem. A creeping stem, usually below ground, consisting of a series of nodes and internodes with adventitious roots. Creeping, often fleshy underground stem from which new plants may…
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Pupate
To enter the stage in insect development that comes between the larva and the adult.
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Pollinate
To transfer pollen to the stigma of a flower.
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Pollen
The powdery grains produced by plant stamens containing the male sex cells. Powder-like fertilising agent carried in the anthers of phanerogams [preferred term]. A mass of microspores in a seed plant, appearing usually as a fine dust. The spheroidal structures produced in an anther. The fertilizing agent of a plant, formed in the anther cells.…
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Parasite
A plant or animal that lives on or within another plant or animal and takes food or protection from it without giving any service in return. Organism that derives its nutrients and energy from a living host. An organism obtaining nourishment from a host organism. A plant that derives all, or part of, its nourishment…
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Ovary
The part of the female structure of a flower that produces the egg cells. The ovule-bearing part of the gynoecium; The (usually enlarged) part of the pistil that contains the ovules and eventually becomes the fruit. The base of the pistil (the female organ of a flower), containing the embryos that develop into seeds. The…
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Nectar
A sweet liquid produced by some plants, usually in the flowers. Sweet fluid extruded by glands as an attractant to pollinators. A fruit puree (crushed fruits with seeds removed) that may or may not be sweetened and with or without the addition of water for consistency control. The sweet, sugary liquid secreted by glands at…
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Maggot
The wormlike larva of a fly, which occasionally infests human tissues. Formerly maggots were, in some cases, allowed to feed on dead and rotting tissues and so assist in the cleaning and healing of serious wounds. Larva of an insect, especially the soft bodied footless larva of flies (order Diptera). Many are parasitic, giving rise…
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