Glossary

Glaucous (GLAH-cuss) leaves have the appearance of the whitish, waxy film that is epicuticular wax. The term glaucous is also used to describe a shade of pale blue that appears…

Leaf windows are specialized leaf structures specific to some plants. They are translucent structures on the outside of the leaves that allow sunlight to penetrate the outer leaf before reaching…

Leaf windows are translucent structures on the outside of  leaves that allow sunlight to penetrate the leaf before reaching the chlorophyll that photosynthesizes the light into nutrition for the plant.…

Meristem (MEHR-i-stem) tissue in plants contains undifferentiated cells that can become whatever the plant most needs. Meristem tissue can grow into can form roots, stems or leaves, depending upon circumstances.

Succulent members of the Aizoaceae family that resemble stones are sometimes called mesembs. Lithops, fenestraria and pleiospilos are examples of mesembs.

Monocarpic (Mon-oh-CAR-pic) plants are those that flower, set seeds and then die, in a single season. There might be a single flower or many. The plant may reach this stage…

Succulent offsets are the baby succulents that form at the base of the mother plant. The offset may be divided from the mother, or it will eventually separate on its…

Photosynthesis (FO-to-SIN-thuh-sis) is the process plants use to convert sunlight, carbon dioxide and water into food energies that they use to grow, bloom and reproduce. This process releases oxygen into…

Propagating (PRAH-puh-gate-ing) a plant is to grow another plant, or many plants, from a piece of the original plant. Propagation makes use of the plant's natural abilities to reproduce itself.

Succulent pups are the baby succulents that form at the base of the mother plant. The pup may be divided from the mother, or it will eventually separate on its own,…