F1 hybrid

First-generation cross between two pure-bred strains. These hybrids produce seeds that are not true to type. See also: filial generation.

Meaning: Named for J.H. Faassen, Dutch nurseryman
Latin Pronunciation: fah-SEN-ee-eye

F2 hybrid

Second-generation cross between two F1 hybrids. See also: filial generation.

Meaning: Bean
Latin Pronunciation: FAH-va
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:FAH-ba

Meaning: Resembling Faba (broad bean)
Latin Pronunciation: fab-AY-see-uh

Meaning: The Faba (broad bean) family, (formerly Leguminosae)
Latin Pronunciation: fab-AY-see-ay

Latin Pronunciation: fab-bay-see-us
Meaning: Bean-like.

Meaning: Resembling Faba (broad bean)
Latin Pronunciation: fab-AY-see-um

Meaning: Having foliage like Faba (Latin word for bean)
Latin Pronunciation: fa-ba-gin-ih-FOH-lee-a

Meaning: From the Latin word for bean
Latin Pronunciation: fah-BA-go

Meaning: Named for Ernst Faber, 19th century German plant collector in China
Latin Pronunciation: FAB-er-ee

Meaning: Named for Ernst Faber, 19th century German plant collector in China
Latin Pronunciation: fab-ER-ee-uh

Meaning: Derivation is obscure; possibly a reference to a goddess in Greek mythology
Latin Pronunciation: fa-SEE-lis

Meaning: From the Brazilian name used for a number of cacti
Latin Pronunciation: fak-EER-oh-uh

facies

1. A variation of the biotope, differing from the typical conditions in minor ways. 2. A deviation in a community like a dogwood, Cornus, or shrub facies in an oak forest. 3. The top to bottom appearance of a plant, including foliage, flowers, fruit, roots, etc. See also: faciation.

faciation

A part of a climax association which lacks some of the dominants of the normal association due to slight differences in environmental fundamentals.

facultative apomict

A plant that can reproduce either sexually or asexually ( apomixis.)

Meaning: Of or from the Faeroe (aka Far?e) Islands, located in the northern Atlantic Ocean between Iceland and the Shetland Islands
Latin Pronunciation: far-oh-EN-see

facultative

Capable of functioning under varying environmental conditions, e.g., a parasite which can survive with or without a host. See also: obligate.

Meaning: The Fagus (Beech) family
Latin Pronunciation: fag-AY-see-ay

Meaning: Resembles Fagara, an old genus name now generally classified as Zanthoxylum
Latin Pronunciation: fag-ar-OY-deez

Meaning: Named for Robert B. Faden, 20th century curator of African plants
Latin Pronunciation: fad-EN-ee-uh

Meaning: Of or from the Faeroe (aka Far?e) Islands, located in the northern Atlantic Ocean between Iceland and the Shetland Islands
Latin Pronunciation: far-oh-EN-sis

Meaning: Named for James Macfadyen, 19th century Scottish botanist in Jamaica
Latin Pronunciation: fad-ee-EN-ee-uh

Meaning: Beech-leaved
Latin Pronunciation: fag-ih-FOH-lee-us

Meaning: Resembles the old genus Fagara, which is now a part of the genus Zanthoxylum
Latin Pronunciation: fag-ar-OP-sis

Meaning: Beech-leaved
Latin Pronunciation: fag-ih-FOH-lee-uh

Meaning: Beech-leaved
Latin Pronunciation: fag-ih-FOH-lee-um

Meaning: Of Fagus (Beech genus)
Latin Pronunciation: fag-IN-ee-a

Meaning: Of Fagus (Beech genus)
Latin Pronunciation: fag-IN-ee-um

Meaning: named for Guy-Crescent Fagon, 18th century physician to Louis XIV
Latin Pronunciation: fah-GOH-nee-uh

Meaning: Of Fagus (Beech genus)
Latin Pronunciation: fag-IN-ee-us

Meaning: Named for A. Faguet, 18th century French botanical artist
Latin Pronunciation: fah-GAY-shee-uh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fah-GAY-tee-uh

Meaning: Named for Jonas Theodor Fagraeus, 18th century Swedish naturalist;
Latin Pronunciation: fa-GRAY-a
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:FAY-gree-a

Meaning: named for Louis L?on C?sar Faidherbe, 19th century French general and governor of Senegal
Latin Pronunciation: fay-DERB-ee-uh

Meaning: From the Greek Fagus (beech) and pyros (wheat); referring to the beechnut like fruit of buckwheat
Latin Pronunciation: fag-oh-PY-rum

Meaning: Named for the Fairchild Tropical Garden, which was named in honor of David Grandison Fairchild, 20th century botanist and agricultural explorer for the USDA
Latin Pronunciation: fair-child-ee-AY-nuh

Meaning: Named for David Grandison Fairchild, 20th century botanist and agricultural explorer for the USDA
Latin Pronunciation: fair-CHILD-ee-eye

fairy ring

A circle of mushrooms or toadstools growing from underground mycelium, which is usually surrounded by a ring of vegetation and is rather common in grasslands and sometimes in forests.

Meaning: From the Latin falcate (sickle) and alludes to the shape of the leaves
Latin Pronunciation: fal-KAY-ree-um

Meaning: From the Latin falcate (sickle) and alludes to the shape of the leaves
Latin Pronunciation: fal-KAY-ree-us

Meaning: From the Latin falcate (sickle) and alludes to the shape of the leaves
Latin Pronunciation: fal-KAY-ree-uh

Meaning: Sickle-shaped
Latin Pronunciation: fal-KAY-tuh

falcate

Scythe-shaped; curved and flat, tapering gradually.

Meaning: From the Latin falcate (sickle) and folia (leaves)
Latin Pronunciation: fal-kay-tih-FOH-lee-um

Meaning: Sickle-shaped
Latin Pronunciation: fal-KAY-tum

Latin Pronunciation: fal-kay-tus
Meaning: sickle-shaped (falcate).

Meaning: Having sickle-shaped leaves
Latin Pronunciation: fal-sif-OH-lee-uh

Meaning: Having sickle-shaped leaves
Latin Pronunciation: fal-sif-OH-lee-um

Latin Pronunciation: fal-sif-foh-lee-us
Meaning: with sickle-shaped leaves.

Latin Pronunciation: fal-sif-form-iss
Meaning: sickle- formed.

Meaning: Bearing a sickle
Latin Pronunciation: fal-kee-GER-a

Meaning: Resembling a small sickle
Latin Pronunciation: fal-sin-NEL-uh

Meaning: Resembling a small sickle
Latin Pronunciation: fal-sin-NEL-um

Meaning: Resembling a small sickle
Latin Pronunciation: fal-sin-NEL-us

Meaning: Named for Johan Peter Falck, 18th century Swedish botanist
Latin Pronunciation: FALK-ee-uh

Meaning: Named for Hugh Falconer, 19th century Scottish doctor, geologist and botanist in India
Latin Pronunciation: fal-KON-er-ee

falls

Pendulous outer petals, as those found on an iris.

Meaning: Diminutive of fallax (Latin word meaning deceptive or false)
Latin Pronunciation: fal-a-SEE-na

Meaning: Diminutive of fallax (Latin word meaning deceptive or false)
Latin Pronunciation: fal-a-SEE-num

Meaning: Diminutive of fallax (Latin word meaning deceptive or false)
Latin Pronunciation: fal-a-SEE-nus

Meaning: Latin word for deceptive
Latin Pronunciation: FAL-laks

Meaning: Named for Gabriello (Gabriele) Fallopia, 16th century Italian anatomist who discovered fallopian tubes
Latin Pronunciation: fal-OH-pee-uh

fallout

The dropout from the air of solid materials, particularly in reference to radioactive dust from nuclear explosions.

fallow

Refers to cropland left standing without cultivation except to destroy weeds and accumulate water and nutrients for a later crop.

Meaning: Named for George Fallow, 20th century gardener at the Botanic Garden, Edinburg
Latin Pronunciation: fal-low-ee-AH-nuh

Meaning: Named for George Fallow, 20th century gardener at the Botanic Garden, Edinburg
Latin Pronunciation: fal-low-ee-AH-nuh

falls

Pendulous outer petals, as those found on an iris.

Meaning: Named for Abbott Virgilio Fallugi Fallugi, 17th century Italian botanist
Latin Pronunciation: fah-LEW-gee-uh

fall line

A line connecting the points where rivers leave the uplands as they flow to the lowlands, indicated by sharper slopes and waterfalls.

false annual ring

An extra growth ring produced in a season with a drought and then more rain.

family

A group of plants sharing common features and distinctive characteristics and comprising related genera; the taxonomic category above genus and below order.

fan-compound

A compound leaf with leaflets radiating from a single point; palmate-compound.

fan-lobed

Major lobes radiating from a single point; palmate-lobed.

fan-veined

Main veins radiating from a single point; palmate-veined.

fancy

Term used by the International Code of nomenclature for cultivated Plants. It is applied to cultivars, grexes, and hybrids, as opposed to natural species.

fangy

Describes forked roots.

Meaning: Named for Michael Faraday, 19th century English chemist and physicist
Latin Pronunciation: fair-uh-DAY-uh

Meaning: To become agitated, talkative; referring to medicinal properties to soothe a cough
Latin Pronunciation: FAR-far-uh

Meaning: Ancient name used by Pliny the Elder for this plant
Latin Pronunciation: far-FEW-gee-um

farina

A waxy-appearing substance exuded from glands.

Meaning: Named for P?re Paul Guillaume Farges, early 20th century French missionary and plant collector in China
Latin Pronunciation: far-GHEE-zee-uh

Meaning: Named for P?re Paul Guillaume Farges, early 20th century French missionary and plant collector in China
Latin Pronunciation: far-GHEE-zee-eye

Meaning: Floury, whitish colored
Latin Pronunciation: far-ih-NAH-kee-uh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:far-i-NAY-see-uh

farinaceous (syn. farinose)

Containing starch; powdery, starch-like.

Latin Pronunciation: fa-rin-nay-see-us
Meaning: starchy or floury.

Meaning: Floury, whitish colored
Latin Pronunciation: far-ih-nah-KO-suh

Meaning: Flour-bearing
Latin Pronunciation: far-ih-NIF-er-uh

Latin Pronunciation: fa-rin-nif-er-us
Meaning: having starch.

Meaning: Mealy or powdery
Latin Pronunciation: far-ih-NOH-suh

farinose

Covered with a waxy, whitish powder; bearing farina.

Meaning: Mealy or powdery
Latin Pronunciation: far-ih-NOH-sum

Latin Pronunciation: fa - rin - noh - sus
Meaning: mealy, powdery.

Meaning: Of or from Farley Hill Gardens in Barbados, West Indies
Latin Pronunciation: far-lee-EN-see

Meaning: Of or from Farley Hill Gardens in Barbados, West Indies
Latin Pronunciation: far-lee-EN-sis

farm

Any area for agricultural use, but in North America, commonly a tract where mostly field crops or vegetables are grown, with any animals for home use or secondary income. See also: ranch.

Meaning: Named for Sir John Farmer, of Atherstone
Alternative Meaning:Named for Mr. W.G. Farmer of Nonsuch Park, Surrey
Latin Pronunciation: FAR-mer-ee

Meaning: Of the gardens of the Farnese Palace in Rome, which in turn was built and named for 17th century Roman Cardinal Alessandro Farnese
Latin Pronunciation: far-nee-zee-AY-nuh

Meaning: Of the gardens of the Farnese Palace in Rome, which in turn was built and named for 17th century Roman Cardinal Alessandro Farnese
Latin Pronunciation: far-nee-zee-AY-num

Meaning: Of the gardens of the Farnese Palace in Rome, which in turn was built and named for 17th century Roman Cardinal Alessandro Farnese
Latin Pronunciation: far-nee-zee-AY-nus

Meaning: From the Latin word meaning hodgepodge or mixed fodder, referring to the various morphology of the spikelets
Latin Pronunciation: far-RAH-go

Meaning: Named for Mrs. Farrer, wife of an officer of the East India Company
Latin Pronunciation: FAR-rer-ay

Meaning: Named for Reginald John Farrer, early 20th century English plant hunter, botanist and author
Latin Pronunciation: far-REY-ree

Meaning: Bound together
Latin Pronunciation: fash-ee-AY-tuh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fas-kee-AY-tuh

Meaning: named for Filippo Farsetti (Farseti), 18th century botanist
Latin Pronunciation: far-SET-ee-uh

fasciation

An abnormal flattening or coalescence of stems or leaf stalks.

Meaning: Bound together
Latin Pronunciation: fash-ee-AY-tum
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fas-kee-AY-tum

Latin Pronunciation: fas-see-ay-tus
Meaning: flattened or broadened (fasciate).

fascicle

A close bundle or cluster.

Meaning: Clustered or grouped together in bundles
Latin Pronunciation: fas-sik-yoo-LAIR-ee

Meaning: Banded, bundled
Latin Pronunciation: fas-sik-yoo-LAR-ee-uh

Latin Pronunciation: fas - sik - yew - lay - riss
Meaning: closely clustered (fascicled).

Meaning: Banded, bundled
Latin Pronunciation: fas-sik-yoo-LAH-tuh

fasciculate

In close bundles or clusters.

fasciculated root

A fibrous root where some of the branches are thickened.

Meaning: Banded, bundled
Latin Pronunciation: fas-sik-yoo-LAH-tum

Latin Pronunciation: fas - sik - yew - lay -tus
Meaning: clustered.

Meaning: Bundled or banded flower
Latin Pronunciation: fask-ih-FLOR-uh

Latin Pronunciation: fas-sin-nay-tor
Meaning: charming.

Meaning: Having erect, parallel branches clustered together, often forming a column
Latin Pronunciation: fas-tij-ee-AY-tuh

fastigiate

Describes branches that are erect and near together, forming a columnar shape.

Meaning: Having erect, parallel branches clustered together, often forming a column
Latin Pronunciation: fas-tij-ee-AY-tum

Latin Pronunciation: fas-tij-ee-ay-tus
Meaning: erect- branching (fastigiate).

Meaning: Proud
Latin Pronunciation: fast-yoo-OH-suh

Meaning: Proud
Latin Pronunciation: fast-yoo-OH-sum

Latin Pronunciation: fas-tew-oh-sus
Meaning: proud.

father plant

The species from which pollen was obtained to create a hybrid.

Meaning: An intergeneric cross of Fatsia (Latin for face) and Hedera (Latin name for ivy); usually written as X Fatshedera
Latin Pronunciation: fats-HED-er-uh

Meaning: Insipid, simple
Latin Pronunciation: FAT-yoo-uh

Latin Pronunciation: fat-yew-us
Meaning: simple, insipid.

Meaning: Insipid, simple
Latin Pronunciation: FAT-yoo-um

fauces (sing. faux)

The throat of a flower in which the petals are united at least at the base, especially when the throat is distinguished in some way such as color, scales, etc.

fault

A fracture of the earth's crust with slippage along the line of fracture, displacing the layers in respect to the opposite side. Usually an escarpment is left, though this may fill with soil over a period of time.

fauna

A collective term, including all the kids of animals in an area or geologic period.

faunal region

An area with characteristic kinds of animals.

Meaning: Named for WC Faure, 19th century South African soldier botanist killed in India
Latin Pronunciation: FAU-ree-uh

Meaning: Named for L'Abb? Urbain Jean Faurie, 19th century renowned French missionary and botanist in Japan, Formosa and Korea
Latin Pronunciation: FAU-ree-uh

Meaning: Named for L'Abb? Urbain Jean Faurie, 19th century renowned French missionary and botanist in Japan, Formosa and Korea
Latin Pronunciation: FAU-ree-eye

faveolate (alt. favose)

Honey-combed.

favulariate

Finely ribbed, the ribs separated by zig-zag furrows.

Meaning: Named for Charles Edward Faxon, 19th century American botanical draftsman with the Arnold Arboretum
Latin Pronunciation: faks-ON-ee-a

Meaning: Named for Charles Edward Faxon, 19th century American botanical draftsman with the Arnold Arboretum
Latin Pronunciation: faks-on-ee-AY-na

Meaning: Named for Charles Edward Faxon, 19th century American botanical draftsman with the Arnold Arboretum
Latin Pronunciation: faks-ON-ee-eye

feather-compound

Midribs of main leaflets branching from a central midrib at several points in a feather-like pattern; pinnate-compound.

feather-lobed

The main lobes more or less at right angles to the midrib, not radiating from a central point; pinnate-lobed.

feather-veined

Describes leaves whose veins all arise pinnately from a single midrib.

Meaning: Named for a Dr. Feay, who collected the plant
Latin Pronunciation: FAY-ee

Meaning: Named for a Dr. Feay, who collected the plant
Latin Pronunciation: fay-ee-AH-na

Meaning: From the Greek febri (fever); driving away fever
Latin Pronunciation: feb-ri-FEW-guh

Meaning: From the Greek febri (fever); driving away fever
Latin Pronunciation: feb-ri-FEW-gum

Latin Pronunciation: feb-rif-yew-gus
Meaning: fever-dispelling.

feces

Animal droppings, manure, scats.

Meaning: Fruitful, prolific
Latin Pronunciation: feh-KUN-dah

fecundity

Productivity of an organism regarding fertility structures, like eggs, sperm, pollen, etc.

Meaning: Fruitful, prolific
Latin Pronunciation: feh-KUN-dum

Meaning: Fruitful, prolific
Latin Pronunciation: feh-KUN-dus

Meaning: Named for Alexei Fedtschenko 19th century Russian botanist and plant collecotr
Latin Pronunciation: fed-tscheng-koh-eye

feed

Harvested forage like hay, grain and fodder.

feedback

Any partial reversion of the effects of a given process to its source, such as leaves falling to the ground and furnishing calcium for uptake by the roots of the plant.

feeder root

One of the numerous small roots of a plant, through which moisture and nutrients are absorbed from the soil.

Meaning: Of or from the Fiji Islands
Latin Pronunciation: fee-jee-EN-sis

Meaning: Named for Richard Felger, 21st century ecologist and author
Latin Pronunciation: fel-GER-ee

Meaning: Oossibly Latin felicia (favorable) and damia (a sacrifice made to Bonae Deae)
Latin Pronunciation: fel-iss-ee-uh-DAY-mee-uh

Meaning: Named for Herr Felix, 19th century German official of Regensburg; also means good fortune
Latin Pronunciation: fel-ISS-ee-um

Meaning: Named for Herr Felix, 19th century German official of Regensburg; also means good fortune
Latin Pronunciation: fel-ISS-ee-us

Meaning: Feminine form of cat
Latin Pronunciation: fel-IN-uh

Meaning: Feminine form of cat
Latin Pronunciation: fel-IN-us

fell (alt. fell-field, syn. fjaeld, syn. fjeld)

A tract of bare elevated county which remains more or less uncultivated.

Meaning: Named for Dr. Florentino Felippone, 20th century bryologist from Uruguay
Latin Pronunciation: fel-lee-PO-nee-eye

felted-tomentose

Woolly and matted, the hairs curling and tangling tightly to the surface.

fen

Low marshy ground containing peat that is relatively rich in mineral salts and is alkaline rather than acidic. It is usually found in the upper parts of old estuaries or around fresh water lakes, with vegetation quite different from that of moors.

Meaning: Named for August Fendler, 19th century German plant collector
Latin Pronunciation: FEND-ler-uh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fend-LER-uh

Meaning: Diminutive form of Fendlera (genus named for August Fendler, 19th century German plant collector)
Latin Pronunciation: fend-ler-EL-uh

Meaning: Named for August Fendler, 19th century German plant collector
Latin Pronunciation: FEND-ler-ee

Meaning: Like a window
Latin Pronunciation: fen-ESS-tra-lee
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fen-ESS-tra-lay

Latin Pronunciation: fen - ess - tray - liss
Meaning: with (window-like) openings.

fenestrate

Having openings, perforations or translucent areas.

Feng Shui

An ancient Chinese discipline combining town planning, environmental impact, architecture and interior decoration. Time, space, and action are designated to increase energy, harmony, healing, etc.

Meaning: Finnish; of Finland
Latin Pronunciation: FEN-nik-uh

Meaning: Finnish; of Finland
Latin Pronunciation: FEN-nik-um

Meaning: Finnish; of Finland
Latin Pronunciation: FEN-nik-us

Meaning: Named for Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, 20th century German prince and King of Bulgaria; also frequently spelled ferdinandi-coburgii
Latin Pronunciation: ferd-in-NAN-dee koh-BURG-ee

Meaning: Variant spelling of ferdinandi-coburgi; named for Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, 20th century German prince and King of Bulgaria
Latin Pronunciation: ferd-in-NAN-dee ko-BURG-ee-eye

feral

Refers to an organism that escapes from cultivation or domestication and becomes naturalized.

Meaning: Of or Fergana (Ferghana), a region of Uzbekistan
Latin Pronunciation: fer-GAN-ee-kuh

fermentation

The chemical change of organic substances by organisms, such as yeast turning sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

Meaning: Named for King Ferdinand
Latin Pronunciation: ferd-in-NAN-dee REE-jiss

fern

A nonflowering, vascular plant of the class Polypodiopsida.

Meaning: Named for Merritt Lyndon Fernald, 20th century American botanist and curator of the Gray Herbarium
Latin Pronunciation: fer-NAL-dee-eye

Meaning: Theorically, the name is a typo of what was originally meant to be "pernambucensis", which means from the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The name "fernambucensis" has an uncertain meaning.
Latin Pronunciation: fer-nahm-boo-KEN-sees
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fer-nahm-boo-SEN-sees

Meaning: named for Dr. Gregorio Garcia Fernandez, a Spanish botanist
Latin Pronunciation: fern-an-DEZ-ee-uh

Meaning: named for Baron Heinrich Wawra von Fernsee, 19th century Brazilian plant collector
Latin Pronunciation: FERN-see-uh

fern ally (pl. fern allies)

A nonflowering, vascular plant belonging to one of the following classes: Equisetopsida (horsetails) Lycopdiopsida (club mosses, spike mosses, and quillworts) and Rhyniopsida (whisk fern).

Meaning: Most fierce; spiniest
Latin Pronunciation: fer-oh-SIS-ih-muh

Meaning: Most fierce; spiniest
Latin Pronunciation: fer-oh-SIS-ih-mum

Meaning: Named for the Roman nymph who presided over wood and groves; the wood-apple
Latin Pronunciation: fer--OH-nee-uh

Meaning: Diminutive form of Feronia (an old genus named for the Roman nymph of woods and groves)
Latin Pronunciation: fer-oh-ny-EL-luh

Latin Pronunciation: fee-rox
Meaning: very thorny.

Meaning: Named for Giovanni Battista Ferrari, 17th century Italian botanist and author
Latin Pronunciation: fer-RAY-ree-uh

Meaning: Of iron
Latin Pronunciation: FER-ee-uh

Meaning: Of iron
Latin Pronunciation: FER-ee-um

Latin Pronunciation: fehr-ee-us
Meaning: pertaining to iron.

Meaning: Rust-colored
Latin Pronunciation: fer-oo-GIN-ee-um
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fer-oo-JIN-ee-um

Meaning: Rust-colored
Latin Pronunciation: fer-oo-GIN-ee-uh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fer-oo-JIN-ee-uh

Latin Pronunciation: fer-rew-jin-ee-us
Meaning: rust- colored.

Meaning: Rusty
Latin Pronunciation: fer-oo-gin-OH-suh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fer-oo-jin-OH-suh

Meaning: Rusty
Latin Pronunciation: fer-oo-gin-OH-sum
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fer-oo-jin-OH-sum

Meaning: Rusty
Latin Pronunciation: fer-oo-gin-OH-sus
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fer-oo-gin-OH-sus

ferruginous

Rust-color.

Meaning: Fruitful
Latin Pronunciation: fer-TIL-ee
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fer-TIL-ay

Latin Pronunciation: fer-til-iss
Meaning: fruitful (self-fruitful).

fertility

1. The reproductive capacity of an organism. See also: fecundity. 2. The property of soil that allows it to provide available nutrients and moisture to plants.

fertilization (alt. fertilisation)

The union of male and female gametes.

fertilizer

Synthetic or natural organic substances providing essential plant foods. It most often includes nitrogen (N), phosphorus (phosphate; P), and potassium (potash; K).

Meaning: Variant of ferulifolia; fennel-like leaves
Latin Pronunciation: fer-oo-lay-FOH-lee-uh

Meaning: Fennel-like leaves; variant spelling is ferulaefolia
Latin Pronunciation: fer-oo-li-FOH-lee-uh

Meaning: Fennel-like leaves
Latin Pronunciation: fer-oo-lay-FOH-lee-um

Meaning: Fennel-like leaves
Latin Pronunciation: fer-oo-lay-FOH-lee-us

Meaning: Resembling Ferula (Latin name for fennel)
Latin Pronunciation: fer-uh-LOP-sis
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fer-oo-LOP-sis

Meaning: Festive
Latin Pronunciation: FES-tuh-liss

Meaning: Festive
Latin Pronunciation: FES-tuh-lee
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:FES-tuh-lay

Meaning: Festive, gay; bright
Latin Pronunciation: fes-TEE-vuh

Latin Pronunciation: fes-tye-vus
Meaning: gay, festive.

Meaning: Festive, gay; bright
Latin Pronunciation: fes-TEE-vuh

Meaning: From the ancient Latin word meaning stalk or straw (grass)
Latin Pronunciation: fes-TOO-kuh

Meaning: Having foliage like Festuca (genus name from the ancient Latin word meaning stalk or straw)
Latin Pronunciation: fes-too-kih-FOH-lee-um

Meaning: Having foliage like Festuca (genus name from the ancient Latin word meaning stalk or straw)
Latin Pronunciation: fes-too-kih-FOH-lee-a

fetch

The distance that wind can blow over water without meeting an obstacle. The greater the fetch, the larger the waves that will form for a given wind sp.ed.

fetid (alt. foetid)

Carrying an unpleasant odor.

Meaning: Named for Louis Econches Feuillet, 18th century French explorer and scientist
Latin Pronunciation: few-EYE-lee-uh

Meaning: Named for Louis Econches Feuillet, 18th century French explorer and scientist
Latin Pronunciation: few-EYE-lee-eye

Meaning: Of or from Fianarantsoa, Madagascar
Latin Pronunciation: fy-ah-nar-rant-SOO-ay
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fy-ah-nar-rant-SOH-ay

Meaning: Broach, clasp
Latin Pronunciation: fye-BIG-ee-uh

fibril

A short simple lateral branch of a lichen.

fibrillose

1. Furnished or abounding with fine fibers. 2. Having fibrils.

fibrillate

Finely fibrous or with hair-like lines.

Meaning: Fibrous
Latin Pronunciation: fy-BROH-suh

Meaning: Fibrous
Latin Pronunciation: fy-BROH-sum

Latin Pronunciation: fye - broh -sus
Meaning: markedly fibrous.

fibrous

Composed of or resembling fibers. Fibrous tissue: a tissue formed of elongated thick-walled cells.

fibrous root

A root that has no prominent central axis and that branches in all directions.

fibrovascular

Composed of woody fibers and ducts.

Meaning: Like a fig
Latin Pronunciation: fye-KAIR-ee-uh

Meaning: Fig leaved
Latin Pronunciation: fik-ee-FOH-lee-uh

Meaning: Fig leaved
Latin Pronunciation: fik-ee-FOH-lee-um

Latin Pronunciation: fye-sif-foh-lee-us
Meaning: with fig- like leaves.

Meaning: Fig-like
Latin Pronunciation: fy-KOY-dee-uh

Meaning: Resembling Ficus (fig)
Latin Pronunciation: fy-KOY-deez

Meaning: Fig-like
Latin Pronunciation: fy-KOY-dee-um

Latin Pronunciation: fye-koy-dee-us
Meaning: fig-like.

Meaning: Fig of India
Latin Pronunciation: FY-kuss IN-dih-kuh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:FY-kuss in-DEE-kuh

fiddlehead

One of the young unfurling fronds of some ferns that are often eaten as greens.

field border plantings

Vegetation established on the margins of fields to conserve soil and to provide food and shelter for wildlife, like native shrubs. See also: filter strip.

fidelity

The regularity with which a species occurs in certain plant communities, expressed in a five-part scale ranging from the most to least common: 5) exclusive, 4) selective, 3) preferential, 2) companion or indifferent, 1) accidental or stranger.

field capacity

The moisture content of a soil, written as the percentage of oven-dry weight (100-110 C.) after the gravitational water has drained away; commonly, the moisture content of a specified field 2-3 days after a heavy rain. See also: capillary water, water holding capacity.

field crops (syn. cash crops)

Agricultural production such as grains, hay, root crops and fiber in contrast to vegetables and fruits. See also: truck crops.

field expedition (syn. field trip)

A journey planned to collect flora of a specific area or habitat.

field equipment

Gear necessary to collect botanical specimens in the wild, such as maps, diggers and clippers, trowels, hand lens, collection bottles and bags, insect repellents, cameras, etc.

field layer

The low stratum of plants like grasses, forbs and dwarf shrubs. See also: canopy layer.

field records (syn. field notes, syn. field data)

A pocket-sized notebook which holds complete data on a field trip, including the precise location of places explored, dates, flora collected with any assigned numbers such as a tube of pollen or seeds, information on such things as a location in shade or sun, insects found on plants, moisture, bloom or fruit and their colors, and nearby plants, etc.

field preservatives

Materials used to hold wet plant samples for long periods of time, or to hold plant specimens in tropical areas. Examples are 2:3 commercial 40 percent formaldehyde and water; 1:2 formaldehyde and 70 percent alcohol; 40-50 percent alcohol; 1-2 percent aqueous solution of oxyquinoline sulfate. Specimens may be dipped, sprayed, or brushed with one of these, then enclosed in an airtight container.

field strip cropping

A specialized strip cropping where crops are planted in parallel bands across a slope but do not follow contour lines; bands of grass or other close-growing species are alternated with the bands of cultivated crops.

field test (syn. field laboratory)

An experiment conducted under regular field conditions, less subject to control than a precise contained experiment.

Meaning: To attach, to fasten
Latin Pronunciation: FYE-go

field expedition (syn. field trip)

A journey planned to collect flora of a specific area or habitat.

Meaning: Figure, shaped
Latin Pronunciation: fig-YOO-ra-tuh

Meaning: Figure, shaped
Latin Pronunciation: fig-YOO-ra-tum

Meaning: Figure, shaped
Latin Pronunciation: fig-YOO-ra-tus

Meaning: From the Latin filum (threadlike), in reference to its cotton-like flower heads
Latin Pronunciation: fil-uh-go

filament

1. The part of a stamen which supports the anther. 2. Any thread-like body.

Meaning: Fibrous, filament, threads
Latin Pronunciation: fil-uh-men-TOH-sum

Meaning: Fibrous, filament, threads
Latin Pronunciation: fil-uh-men-TOH-suh

Latin Pronunciation: fil-am-en-toh-sus
Meaning: threadlike, having threads.

filamentous

1. Made up of filaments or bearing them. 2. A form of lichen containing filamentous algae and fungi.

filial generation

In hybrid offspring, the first cross is designated as F1; the second cross as F2, etc.

Meaning: from Latin filum (thread or fiber)
Latin Pronunciation: FIL-ar-um

Latin Pronunciation: fll-ik-kay-tus
Meaning: fern-like.

Meaning: With thread-like stamens
Latin Pronunciation: fil-ee-KAW-lee
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fil-ee-KAW-lay

Latin Pronunciation: fil-ik-kaw-liss
Meaning: with threadlike stems.

Meaning: Lady fern
Latin Pronunciation: fy-LYE-kees FEM-in-ay

Meaning: Male fern
Latin Pronunciation: fy-LYE-kees MAIR-ees

Meaning: Fern-like leaves
Latin Pronunciation: fil-ee-kee-FOH-lee-uh

Meaning: Fern-like leaves
Latin Pronunciation: fil-ee-kee-FOH-lee-um

Latin Pronunciation: fil-iss-if-foh-lee-us
Meaning: fern- leaved.

Latin Pronunciation: fil-iss-sye-nus
Meaning: fern-like.

Meaning: From the Latin filix (fern) which this plant resembles
Latin Pronunciation: fy-LIKS-ee-um
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fil-ISS-ee-um

Latin Pronunciation: fll-ik-koy-deez
Meaning: fern-like.

Meaning: Thread-bearing
Latin Pronunciation: fil-LIF-er-uh

Meaning: Thread-bearing
Latin Pronunciation: fil-LIF-er-um

Latin Pronunciation: fye-lif-er-us
Meaning: having threads or filaments.

Meaning: Thread-like leaves
Latin Pronunciation: fil-ee-FOH-lee-uh

Meaning: Thread-like leaves
Latin Pronunciation: fil-ee-FOH-lee-um

Latin Pronunciation: fil-if-foh-lee-us
Meaning: thread- leaved.

filiform (syn. thread-like)

Thread-shaped; long, slender, and terete.

Meaning: Threadlike
Latin Pronunciation: fil-ih-FOR-mee

Latin Pronunciation: fll-if-form-iss
Meaning: thread-like.

Meaning: Thread-like stalks
Latin Pronunciation: fil-ee-PAY-deez

Meaning: Filipendula-like leaves
Latin Pronunciation: fil-ip-en-DOO-lin-uh

Latin Pronunciation: fl//-ip-peez
Meaning: with thread-like stalks.

Meaning: From the Latin fili- (threadlike) and sectus (divided)
Latin Pronunciation: fil-ih-SEK-tuh

Meaning: Lady fern
Latin Pronunciation: FY-liks fem-in-uh

Meaning: Male fern
Latin Pronunciation: FY-liks mas

filmy fern

A fern of shady places with exceptionally thin frond leaflets, usually of the family Hymenophyllaceae.

fill

Sand, gravel, dredged materials or other soil, placed on submerged land or low shore land to raise it.

filter bridge

A land connection that remains in place for a demonstrated period of time, restricted in extent, limiting the kinds of organisms which can migrate over it, such as the Bering Strait in the Pleistocene period. See also: corridor, sweepstakes bridge.

filter strip (syn. greenway, syn. greenbelt, syn. beltway, syn. buffer strip, syn. buffer zone, syn. vegetated filter zone)

A permanent strip of low plantings on the lower side of a field that is sufficiently wide and dense to slow the movement of runoff, allowing deposition of silt on the strip rather than its transport to a stream or pond. See also: field border plantings.

Meaning: Fringed
Latin Pronunciation: fim-bry-AH-tuh

fimbriate (alt. fimbriated, n. fimbriation)

Fringed; having the edge or extremity bordered by slender processes.

fimbriate (alt. fimbriated, n. fimbriation)

Fringed; having the edge or extremity bordered by slender processes.

Meaning: Somewhat fringed
Latin Pronunciation: fim-bry-AH-too-luh

Meaning: Somewhat fringed
Latin Pronunciation: fim-bry-AH-too-lum

Meaning: Somewhat fringed
Latin Pronunciation: fim-bry-AH-too-lus

Meaning: Fringed
Latin Pronunciation: fim-bry-AH-tum

Latin Pronunciation: fim-bree-ay-tus
Meaning: fringed (fimbriate).

fimbrillate

Having a minute fringe.

Meaning: Having fringed sepals
Latin Pronunciation: fim-bree-SEP-a-la

Meaning: Having fringed sepals
Latin Pronunciation: fim-bree-SEP-a-lum

Meaning: Having fringed sepals
Latin Pronunciation: fim-bree-SEP-a-lus

Meaning: With a fringed style
Latin Pronunciation: fim-bree-STY-liss

fine-textured soil

A soil that consists mostly of silt and clay, with little or no sand or gravel.

fiord (alt. fjord)

A narrow, long, deep inlet of the seas usually formed by glaciers and found along coasts such as those of Norway and Alaska.

fines

Materials from rock and organic extraction that are often carried away by the action of wind or water.

fireblight

A bacterial disease of rose family.

firebreak

A strip of land where flammable materials have been removed to check or stop a creeping or running wildfire.

fire control line

A designated margin along which a wildfire, if possible, is not allowed to pass; often backfires are started here.

fire hazard

The risk level of a fire starting under prevailing climatic conditions, often simply low, average, or high.

fire towers

Structures in forests which rise above the tree tops and are staffed during fire danger periods.

Meaning: Firm, strong
Latin Pronunciation: FIR-muh

Latin Pronunciation: fir-may-tus
Meaning: firm.

Meaning: Named in honor of Joseph von Firmian, 18th century Imperial Governor of Lombardy
Latin Pronunciation: fer-mee-AY-nuh

Meaning: Firm, strong
Latin Pronunciation: FIR-mum

Latin Pronunciation: firm-us
Meaning: firm, strong.

firn

Granular snow, usually compacted; a ski term for last year's snow. See also: neve.

first bottom

The flood plain that is closest to a stream or is at the lowest elevation above a stream; the first to be flooded.

firth

A term commonly used in Scotland that means a long narrow arm of the sea or the mouth of an estuary.

Meaning: Named for Friedrich Ernst Ludwig Fischer, 19th century German-born Russian botanist and St Petersburg botanical garden
Latin Pronunciation: FISH-er-ee

Meaning: Named for Friedrich Ernst Ludwig Fischer, 19th century German-born Russian botanist and St Petersburg botanical garden
Latin Pronunciation: fish-ER-ee-a

Meaning: Named for Friedrich Ernst Ludwig Fischer, 19th century German-born Russian botanist and St Petersburg botanical garden
Latin Pronunciation: fish-er-ee-AH-na

Meaning: Named for Friedrich Ernst Ludwig Fischer, 19th century German-born Russian botanist and St Petersburg botanical garden
Latin Pronunciation: fish-er-ee-AH-num

Meaning: Named for Friedrich Ernst Ludwig Fischer, 19th century German-born Russian botanist and St Petersburg botanical garden
Latin Pronunciation: fish-er-ee-AH-nus

fishway (syn. fish ladder)

A sloping structure over which water is allowed to flow, to help fish in breeding season to ascend a stream which forms a waterfall.

Meaning: Divided calyx
Latin Pronunciation: fis-see-KAL-iks

Latin Pronunciation: fiss-if-foh-lee-us
Meaning: split- leaved.

Meaning: From the Latin, meaning cleft or split
Latin Pronunciation: FISS-ill-ee

Latin Pronunciation: fiss-il-iss
Meaning: cleft, split (fissile).

Meaning: Divided stigma
Latin Pronunciation: fis-see-STIG-muh

Meaning: From the Latin fissura, to split or crack
Latin Pronunciation: fis-zhur-RAY-tuh

Meaning: From the Latin fissura, to split or crack
Latin Pronunciation: fis-zhur-RAY-tum

Meaning: From the Latin fissura, to split or crack
Latin Pronunciation: fis-zhur-RAY-tus

fissured

Having deep cracks.

Latin Pronunciation: floss-us
Meaning: cleft, split.

Meaning: Hollow, tube-like
Latin Pronunciation: FIST-yoo-luh

fistular

Hollow and cylindrical.

Meaning: Hollow, tube-like
Latin Pronunciation: fist-yoo-LOW-suh

Meaning: Hollow, tube-like
Latin Pronunciation: fist-yoo-LOW-sum

Latin Pronunciation: flss-tew-loh-sus
Meaning: hollow- cylindrical.

Meaning: Hollow, tube-like
Latin Pronunciation: FIST-yoo-lum

Meaning: Hollow, tube-like
Latin Pronunciation: FIST-yoo-lus

Meaning: Named for Walter Hood Fitch, 19th century British botanical artist at Kew Gardens
Latin Pronunciation: FITCH-ee-uh

Meaning: Named for William R. Fitch or Rev. August Fitch, 19th century Episcopal clergyman on the west coast of the U.S.
Latin Pronunciation: FITCH-ee-eye

fitness

The level of adaptation of an organism to its environment.

fitness of environment

The suitability of a habitat for preserving life.

fitting

Preparing the soil for planting.

Latin Pronunciation: flab-el-if-form-iss
Meaning: fan- shaped.

Meaning: From the Latin flabellum (a little fan)
Latin Pronunciation: fla-bel-LAY-ree-uh

Meaning: Resembling Flabellaria (Latin for little fan)
Latin Pronunciation: fla-bel-lar-ee-OP-sis

Meaning: Fan-shaped
Latin Pronunciation: fla-bel-AH-tuh

flabellate

Fan-shaped.

Meaning: Fan-shaped
Latin Pronunciation: fla-bel-AH-tum

Latin Pronunciation: flab-el-lay-tus
Meaning: with fanlike parts (flabellate).

Meaning: Fan-bearing
Latin Pronunciation: fla-BEL-lif-er

Meaning: Fan-bearing
Latin Pronunciation: fla-bel-LI-fer-uh

Meaning: Fan-bearing
Latin Pronunciation: fla-bel-LI-fer-um

Meaning: Fan-shaped foliage
Latin Pronunciation: fla-bel-ih-FOH-lee-a

Meaning: Fan-shaped foliage
Latin Pronunciation: fla-bel-ih-FOH-lee-um

Meaning: Weak, flabby
Latin Pronunciation: FLAK-a

Meaning: Fan-shaped foliage
Latin Pronunciation: fla-bel-ih-FOH-lee-us

flaccid

Without rigidity; lax and weak.

Meaning: Weak
Latin Pronunciation: FLA-sih-duh

Meaning: Weak
Latin Pronunciation: FLA-sih-dum

Latin Pronunciation: flak-sid-us
Meaning: soft, limp.

Meaning: Weak-fruit
Latin Pronunciation: flak-oh-SPER-ma

flachmoor

Wasteland with a flat to slightly depressed surface, with peaty soils that are poor in salts and have an acidic reaction.

flagellates

Cells with flagella but no cell wall.

Meaning: From the Latin flagella (whip), referring to the stoloniferous shoots
Latin Pronunciation: fla-gel-LAY-ree-uh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fla-jel-LAY-ree-uh

Latin Pronunciation: flaj-el-/ay-riss
Meaning: whip-like (flagellate).

flagellates

Cells with flagella but no cell wall.

Latin Pronunciation: flaj-el-lay-tus
Meaning: whip-like.

Meaning: Bearing whip-like fruit
Latin Pronunciation: fla-gel-LEE-fer-uh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fla-jel-EE-fer-uh

Meaning: Bearing whip-like fruit
Latin Pronunciation: fla-gel-LEE-fer-um
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fla-jel-EE-fer-um

Meaning: Bearing whip-like fruit
Latin Pronunciation: fla-gel-LEE-fer-us
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fla-jel-EE-fer-us

flagelliflorous

Bearing flowers at the ends of long, pendulous branches.

Meaning: Whip-shaped leaves
Latin Pronunciation: fla-gel-ih-FOH-lee-uh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fla-jel-ih-FOH-lee-uh

Meaning: Whip-shaped leaves
Latin Pronunciation: fla-gel-ih-FOH-lee-us
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fla-jel-ih-FOH-lee-us

flagelliform

Whip-like in shape.

Meaning: Whip-shaped
Latin Pronunciation: fla-gel-ih-FOR-me
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fla-jel-ih-FOR-me

Latin Pronunciation: flaj-el-if-form-iss
Meaning: whip- formed.

flagellum (pl. flagella)

Tiny whip-like appendage that is capable of movement.

flaky

Bark with loose scales which are easily rubbed off.

Meaning: Flame-colored
Latin Pronunciation: FLAM-ee-uh

Meaning: Flame-colored
Latin Pronunciation: FLAM-ee-um

Latin Pronunciation: ftam-ee-us
Meaning: flame-colored.

Meaning: Named for Henry George Flanagan, 19th century South African-born plant collector
Latin Pronunciation: flan-uh-GAN-ee-eye

Meaning: Diminutive of the Latin flamma; a small flame
Latin Pronunciation: FLA-muh-luh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:FLAY-muh-luh

flank

The side of anything, like the west flank of a mountain.

Meaning: Yellow
Latin Pronunciation: FLA-vuh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:FLAY-vuh

flats

Low, exposed land of a lake delta or a lake bottom; or often brushy land along the floodplain of a stream.

Meaning: Yellowish
Latin Pronunciation: fla-VEE-oh-luh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:flay-VEE-oh-luh

Meaning: Yellowish
Latin Pronunciation: fla-VEE-oh-lum
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:flay-VEE-oh-lum

Meaning: Yellowish
Latin Pronunciation: fla-VEE-oh-lus
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:flay-VEE-oh-lus

Meaning: From the Latin flavus, meaning yellow
Latin Pronunciation: fla-VER-ee-uh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:flay-VER-ee-uh

Latin Pronunciation: flav-vess-enz
Meaning: yellowish, becoming yellow.

Meaning: Yellow hair
Latin Pronunciation: flav-ih-KOH-muh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:flay-vih-KOH-muh

Meaning: Yellow hair
Latin Pronunciation: flav-ih-KOH-mum
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:flay-vih-KOH-mum

Latin Pronunciation: flay-vik-oh-mus
Meaning: yellow- haired.

Meaning: Yellowish
Latin Pronunciation: FLA-vid-uh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:FLAY-vid-uh

Meaning: Yellowish
Latin Pronunciation: FLA-vid-um
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:FLAY-vid-um

Latin Pronunciation: flay-vid-us
Meaning: yellow or yellowish.

Meaning: Yellow flowers
Latin Pronunciation: flav-ih-FLOR-uh

Meaning: Yellow flowers
Latin Pronunciation: flav-ih-FLOR-um

Meaning: Yellow flowers
Latin Pronunciation: flav-ih-FLOR-us

Meaning: Yellow cushion
Latin Pronunciation: flav-ih-pulv-in-AH-tus

Latin Pronunciation: flay-vihr - ray - mee - us
Meaning: yellow-branched.

Meaning: Yellow spines
Latin Pronunciation: flav-ih-SPIN-uh

Latin Pronunciation: flay-viss-pye-nus
Meaning: yellowspined.

Meaning: Very yellow; most yellow
Latin Pronunciation: flav-ISS-ih-ma

Meaning: Very yellow; most yellow
Latin Pronunciation: flav-ISS-ih-mum

Latin Pronunciation: flay-viss-im-us
Meaning: deep yellow.

Meaning: Having a yellow or yellowish style
Latin Pronunciation: flav-ih-STY-la

Meaning: Yellow-purple
Latin Pronunciation: flav-oh-pur-PUR-ee-uh

Latin Pronunciation: flay-voh-vye-renz
Meaning: yellow- green.

Meaning: Yellow
Latin Pronunciation: FLA-voo-luh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:FLAY-voo-luh

Meaning: Yellow
Latin Pronunciation: FLA-voo-lum
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:FLAY-voo-lum

Meaning: Yellow
Latin Pronunciation: FLA-voo-lus
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:FLAY-voo-lus

Meaning: Yellow
Latin Pronunciation: FLA-vum
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:FLAY-vum

Latin Pronunciation: flay-vus
Meaning: yellow.

Meaning: Named for Franz Fleischer, 19th century Swiss doctor and professor of natural science in Hohenheim
Latin Pronunciation: FLY-sher-eye

Meaning: Named for Gottfried F. Fleischmann, professor of famous 19th century botanist Carl Heinrich Schultz ("Bipontinus") at the University of Erlangen in Nuremberg, Germany
Latin Pronunciation: flysh-MAHN-ee-a

fleshy

Succulent or juicy.

Meaning: Named for John B. Flett, 20th century botanist and author ofFeatures of the Flora of Mount Rainier National Park
Latin Pronunciation: FLET-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Harold Roy Fletcher, 20th century director of the RHS gardens, Wisley (then Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh)
Latin Pronunciation: FLET-cher-ee

Meaning: From the Latin Latin flexibilis (capable of bending) and spinus (spines)
Latin Pronunciation: fleks-ih-bil-ih-SPIN-us
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fleks-ih-bil-ih-SPY-nus

flexible

Easily bent or twisted.

Meaning: Bent (flexed) stem
Latin Pronunciation: fleks-ih-KAW-lee

Meaning: Bent (flexed) stem
Latin Pronunciation: fleks-ih-KAW-liss

Meaning: Flexible
Latin Pronunciation: FLEKS-il-ee
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:FLEKS-il-ay

Latin Pronunciation: flex-il-iss
Meaning: pliant, flexible.

Meaning: Bent stem
Latin Pronunciation: fleks-ih-PEE-dees

Meaning: Bent stem
Latin Pronunciation: FLEKS-ih-pees

Meaning: Flexible spine
Latin Pronunciation: fleks-ih-SPY-nuh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fleks-ih-SPIN-uh

Meaning: Flexible spine
Latin Pronunciation: fleks-ih-SPY-nus

Meaning: Torturous, winding
Latin Pronunciation: fleks-yoo-OH-suh

flexuose (alt. flexuous)

Zigzag; bending from side to side; wavy; sinuous.

Meaning: Torturous, winding
Latin Pronunciation: fleks-yoo-OH-sum

Latin Pronunciation: flex-yew-oh-sus
Meaning: tortuous, zig-zag.

Meaning: Named for Edward A. Flickinger, English publisher of garden journals
Latin Pronunciation: flik-ing-ER-ee-uh

Meaning: Named for Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie, 19th century English captain and explorer
Latin Pronunciation: flin-DERS-ee-uh

floating-leaved plants

A free-floating plant such as duckweed, Lemna; or one with roots in the water bottom but having leaves that float on the surface like the water lily, Nymphaea.

Meaning: Woolly
Latin Pronunciation: flok-KOH-suh

floccose

Clothed with locks or flocks of soft hair or wool.

Meaning: Woolly
Latin Pronunciation: flok-KOH-sum

Latin Pronunciation: flok-koh-sus
Meaning: woolly.

flocculation

The coming together of suspended colloidal material or very fine particles like silt, into larger masses called floccules.

flocculate (n. flocculation)

1. To cause to form lumps or masses, as in soil. 2. The rapid precipitation of large amounts of a solute out of a solvent.

flocculent

Resembling wool especially in loose fluffy organization.

floodplain (alt. flood plain)

The almost level land forming the floor on either side of a stream in a valley, often subject to flooding.

floodway

A channel usually having levees at the sides for the purpose of carrying flood water away from improved land or buildings.

floodplain (alt. flood plain)

The almost level land forming the floor on either side of a stream in a valley, often subject to flooding.

Meaning: With double flowers
Latin Pronunciation: FLOR-uh PLEE-nuh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:FLOR-uh PLEN-uh

flora

All plants as a group; the particular plants of a region.

floral

Belonging to or associated with a flower.

floral cup

A cup-shaped or tubular part of a flower.

floral envelope

The perianth.

floral region (alt. floristic region, alt. floristic area)

An area with a degree of homogeneity of species existing because of similarities in topography, climate, etc., in the region.

floral shovel

A round-pointed shovel.

floral snip

Scissors specialized for delicate jobs, such as harvesting herbaceous flowers.

floral tube

A tube formed in some flowers by the fusion of the perianth and the stamens.

biota (syn. flora and fauna)

All of the living things, including animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms, located in a given area.

Latin Pronunciation: floh - ree - al - boh
Meaning: white- flowered.

Latin Pronunciation: floh-ree-plee-noh
Meaning: double flowered.

Meaning: Of or from Florence, Italy
Latin Pronunciation: flor-en-TY-nuh

Meaning: Of or from Florence, Italy
Latin Pronunciation: flor-en-TY-num

Latin Pronunciation: flor-en-tye-nus
Meaning: Florentine.

Meaning: Cuckoo flower
Latin Pronunciation: FLOR-ees koo-KOO-lor-um

Meaning: Flower of Jove (Jupiter)
Latin Pronunciation: FLOR-ees JO-vee-um

Meaning: From the Latin, meaning flowers; the derivation is obscure
Latin Pronunciation: flor-ESS-tin-a
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:flor-es-TEE-na

floret

A small flower, usually one of a dense cluster. See also: flowerhead.

Meaning: Free-flowering, many flowers
Latin Pronunciation: flor-ih-BUN-duh

Meaning: Free-flowering, many flowers
Latin Pronunciation: flor-ih-BUN-dum

Latin Pronunciation: floh-rib-bund-us
Meaning: flowering profusely.

floricane

A biennial stem typical of Rubus, which grows the first year, and bears fruit and dies the second year.

Meaning: Hairy flowers
Latin Pronunciation: flor-ih-KOH-mus

floriculture

The cultivation of ornamental plants, especially flowering plants.

Meaning: Free-flowering, many flowers
Latin Pronunciation: FLOR-id-uh

Meaning: Of or from Florida (a state in the U.S., whose name is translated "flower")
Latin Pronunciation: flor-ih-DAY-na

Meaning: Of or from Florida (a state in the U.S., whose name is translated "flower")
Latin Pronunciation: flor-ih-DAY-num

Latin Pronunciation: flor-id-day-nus
Meaning: of Florida.

Meaning: Somewhat flowering
Latin Pronunciation: flor-ID-yoo-luh

Meaning: Somewhat flowering
Latin Pronunciation: flor-ID-yoo-lum

Meaning: Free-flowering, many flowers
Latin Pronunciation: FLOR-id-um

Meaning: Somewhat flowering
Latin Pronunciation: flor-ID-yoo-lus

Latin Pronunciation: for-id-us
Meaning: flowering freely.

floriferous

Flower-bearing; blooming profusely.

Meaning: Flower-bearing
Latin Pronunciation: flor-IF-er-uh

Meaning: Flower-bearing
Latin Pronunciation: flor-IF-er-um

florigen

A hormone which appears to be produced in the leaves, then translocated to apical meristems where it initiates the formation of flowers.

Meaning: Named by Frank Kingdom Ward (who introduced the species) after Florinda Annesley, wife of Richard Grove Annesley
Latin Pronunciation: flor-IN-day

florist

One who sells flowers retail, usually obtaining the blossoms from a middle man.

floristic composition

The array of plant species that occurs in a community or region.

floristic element

Species that are characteristic of a designated region but may also occur in a different one, e.g., a midwest united States species growing in the upper levels of the Smoky Mountains is a midwest element of those mountains.

floristic study

A complete listing of the plants from a given jurisdiction, e.g., a state, or from habitats such as lake shores or marshes, or a listing of all of the species within a genus or other delineation.

floristic territory

A geographic area characterized by the common occurrence of a number of more or less endemic species, although other species may be present.

Meaning: Flowers of copper
Latin Pronunciation: flos EE-riss

Meaning: Cuckoo flower
Latin Pronunciation: floss KOO-koo-lie

Meaning: Flower of Jove (Jupiter)
Latin Pronunciation: floss JO-viss

Meaning: Flower of queen; Queen's flower
Latin Pronunciation: floss ree-JIN-ay-ee

Meaning: from the Latin flos (flower) and Caldasia (named for Francisco Jos? de Caldas, 19th century Columbian naturalist and explorer)
Latin Pronunciation: flos-kal-DAZ-ee-uh

Meaning: Flower-cup
Latin Pronunciation: flos-KOH-puh

Meaning: From the Latin flos (flower) and Mutisia (named for Jos? Celestino Mutis, a 19th century Spanish naturalist and scientist in South America)
Latin Pronunciation: flos-mu-TIS-ee-uh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:flos-mu-TIZ-ee-uh

flower

1. The reproductive structure of a flowering plant consisting of a pistil and/or stamen, and usually including petals and sepals. 2. Often applies to the reproductive organs of mosses.

flowering dates

The period(s) of the year when a species can be expected to produce blossoms.

flower bed

An area planted with flowering plants and surrounded by lawn, structures, etc.

flower box (alt. window box)

A container attached to a porch railing or window sill planted with colorful species.

flower bud

The bud which contains a flower or a cluster of flowers.

flower head

A group of florets.

flower induction

The initiation of the production of flowers, possibly stimulated by florigen.

fluctuation

A relatively atypical departure from more average conditions, but still within normal limits.

Latin Pronunciation: flew-it-anz
Meaning: floating.

flume

1. In the united States, a ravine or gorge with a stream running through it. 2. A man-made open conduit, often made of wood or concrete, for the purposes of irrigation, power, etc. It operates by transporting liquids across a stream or depression which intersects the course of the conduit.

Meaning: Of or from Flumen Januarii (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Latin Pronunciation: floo-min-EN-see

Meaning: Of or from Flumen Januarii (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Latin Pronunciation: floo-min-EN-sis

flush cut

A pruning cut to remove a tree limb in which the cut is completely flush with the tree. The resulting scar is too large to heal efficiently.

fluted

With rounded, longitudinal grooves or ridges.

Meaning: From Latin name for river
Latin Pronunciation: floo-vee-uh-TIL-ee
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:floo-vee-uh-TIL-ay

Latin Pronunciation: flew-vee-at-il-iss
Meaning: of rivers.

flyway

A migratory pathway of birds, like the Mississippi flyway following the Mississippi River.

Meaning: Named for Dr. Focke Albers, modern-day German professor and expert on the Asclepiadaceae family
Latin Pronunciation: FOK-ee-uh

fodder

The dried or cured plants of crops such as corn and sorghum, including all above-ground parts, which sometimes contains the grain.

foehn

A Swiss term for a wind blowing down a mountainside, especially if it is warm for the season. See also: chinook.

Meaning: Greek Hay
Latin Pronunciation: FEN-uh GRAY-kuh

Meaning: Like fennel
Latin Pronunciation: fen-ee-kul-ah-KEE-uh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fen-ee-kul-ah-SEE-uh

Meaning: Like fennel
Latin Pronunciation: fen-ee-kul-ah-KEE-um
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fen-ee-kul-ah-SEE-um

Meaning: Like fennel
Latin Pronunciation: fen-ee-kul-ah-KEE-us
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fen-ee-kul-ah-SEE-us

Meaning: Diminutive form of Latin foenum, hay; referring to the smell
Latin Pronunciation: fen-IK-yoo-lye

Meaning: Diminutive form of Latin foenum, hay; referring to the smell
Latin Pronunciation: fen-IK-yoo-lus

Meaning: Greek Hay
Latin Pronunciation: FEN-um GRAY-kum

Meaning: Stinking
Latin Pronunciation: FET-uh-duh

Meaning: Very fetid, stinking
Latin Pronunciation: fet-uh-DISS-ih-muh

Meaning: Very fetid, stinking
Latin Pronunciation: fet-uh-DISS-ih-mum

Latin Pronunciation: fet-id-diss-im-us
Meaning: foul smelling.

Meaning: Stinking
Latin Pronunciation: FET-uh-dum

Latin Pronunciation: fet-id-us
Meaning: ill-smelling.

fog

The condensation of water vapor into fine particles of water, obscuring vision; a cloud hanging close to the ground.

fogger

A device used to apply a pesticide in suspension in water or air.

Meaning: Of or from Fokien, China
Latin Pronunciation: foh-kee-EN-ee-uh

Meaning: Leafy; resembling a leaf
Latin Pronunciation: foh-lee-uh-SEE-uh

foliaceous

Leaf-like in texture or appearance.

Meaning: Leafy; resembling a leaf
Latin Pronunciation: foh-lee-uh-SEE-um

Meaning: Leafy; resembling a leaf
Latin Pronunciation: foh-lee-uh-SEE-us

foliage

The leaves of a plant taken collectively.

foliar diagnosis

Evaluation of the nutrients in a plant, or the plant nutrient requirements of a soil, by analyzing the leaves.

foliar feeding (alt. foliar fertilizing)

The process whereby plants are fertilized by application of liquid onto the leaves rather than through the soil.

Meaning: Leafy
Latin Pronunciation: fol-ee-AY-tuh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fol-ee-AH-tuh

foliate

Bearing leaves.

foliation

1. The process of forming into a leaf. 2. Ornamentation with, or resembling, foliage. 3. The separation of a material into separate layers.

Meaning: Leafy
Latin Pronunciation: fol-ee-ah-TOH-suh

Meaning: Leafy
Latin Pronunciation: fol-ee-AY-tum
Alternative Self-Pronouncing: fol-ee-AH-tum

Latin Pronunciation: foh-lee-ay-tus
Meaning: with leaves.

folic acid (syn. pteroylglutamic acid)

A member of the B vitamin complex, found mostly in the leaves of plants.

foliolate

Bearing leaflets.

Latin Pronunciation: foh-lee-oh-lay-tus
Meaning: with leaflets.

Meaning: Having small leaves
Latin Pronunciation: foh-lee-oh-LOH-suh

Meaning: Having small leaves
Latin Pronunciation: foh-lee-oh-LOH-sum

Meaning: Having small leaves
Latin Pronunciation: foh-lee-oh-LOH-sus

Meaning: Leafy
Latin Pronunciation: fo-lee-OH-suh

foliose

1. Bearing numerous leaves. 2. A form of lichen with leaf-like thalli.

Meaning: Leafiest
Latin Pronunciation: foh-lee-oh-SIS-ee-muh

Meaning: Leafiest
Latin Pronunciation: foh-lee-oh-SIS-ee-mum

Meaning: Leafiest
Latin Pronunciation: foh-lee-oh-SIS-ee-mus

Meaning: Leafy
Latin Pronunciation: fo-lee-OH-sum

Latin Pronunciation: foh-lee-oh-sus
Meaning: leafy, full of leaves.

follicle

A dry, single- celled, many- seeded fruit consisting of a single carpel, dehiscing by the ventral suture.

follicular

Like a follicle.

Latin Pronunciation: fol-ik-yew-lay-riss
Meaning: having follicles.

folly

An often extravagant landscape structure built primarily for visual effect.

Meaning: Growing in running water, of a spring
Latin Pronunciation: FON-tah-nuh

Meaning: Named for Ren? Louiche Desfontaines, 19th century French botanist and author
Latin Pronunciation: fon-tay-nee-zee-AH-na

Meaning: Named for Ren? Louiche Desfontaines, 19th century French botanist and author
Latin Pronunciation: fon-tan-EZ-ee-eye

Meaning: Growing in running water, of a spring
Latin Pronunciation: FON-tah-num

Meaning: Growing in running water, of a spring
Latin Pronunciation: FON-tah-nus

Meaning: Of or form fountains or springs
Latin Pronunciation: fon-tin-AY-lee

Latin Pronunciation: fon-tin-nay-liss
Meaning: pertaining to spring.

food chain

An ever increasing progression of edibles, from microscopic plankton which are eaten by small animals, which in turn are eaten by larger animals, and so on, up to the largest predator. The animals all die and are digested by fungi and bacteria, starting the chain all over again.

food cycle (alt. food web)

All the interconnecting food chains in a community.

food niche

The location of a particular organism in a food cycle.

food pyramid

A theoretical graphic illustration showing the immense number of producer organisms at the base and the progressively decreasing numbers of herbivores and carnivores toward the peak.

foot

The part of the sporophyte that remains attached in the gametophyte.

forage

Field vegetation which can be used as it stands as graze for domestic animals or may be harvested for hay. See also; feed, fodder, pasture.

forage acre

A theoretical concept demonstrating the quantity of feed on an acre of land which is totally covered with vegetation and completely utilized under proper management.

forage acre requirement

The number of forage acres needed for the maintenance of X numbers of mature grazing animals for a specified period of time.

forage ratio

A mathematical statement regarding the percentage of a prey species present in the food of a predator species, which is divided by the percentage of the prey species present in the habitat.

forage volume

1. The total parts of plants that can be reached by grazing or browsing animals. 2. A measure of the yield of feed, the total amount produced on a certain range during a year.

foraminifers

Small marine animals with calcareous shells which are perforated with minute holes for extension of pseudopods.

forb

A nonwoody plant other than grass, sedge, or rush. See also: herb.

Meaning: Named for Charles Noyes Forbes, early 20th century curator of botany at the Bishop Museum in Hawaii
Latin Pronunciation: FORBZ-ee-eye

Meaning: Little pincers
Latin Pronunciation: for-sip-EL-luh

force

To artificially bring a plant to a useful state earlier than would normally occur; e.g., putting daffodil bulbs in moisture at higher temperatures to produce blooms during winter, or cutting winter pussy willow branches and then transporting them to dark cool areas and then to light, warm areas to bring out the catkins.

Meaning: Named for Charles Ford, a 20th century plant collector in China
Latin Pronunciation: FORD-ee-uh

foredune

A low pile of sand, often held in place by dune grass, bordering the shore of a sandy lake or sea.

forensic

Relating to the application of scientific knowledge to legal problems, as a forensic entomologist helps place time of death by developmental stages of insects on the deceased.

forest

A dense growth of trees and underbrush covering a large tract of land.

foreshore

That portion of the beach occupied on a daily basis by tides.

forestry

Applied science dealing with the growth and harvest of desirable trees.

forest cover

The living plants and dead organic matter on the floor of a forest, sometimes restricted to only the plants. See also: basal cover, duff.

forest floor

The deposits of plant material such as dead leaves and branches on the ground in a woodland. See also: duff, forest cover.

forest edge

The boundary or ecotone of a forest where it meets with some other kind of vegetation such as a marsh.

forest fragmentation

The continuing splitting of large forested areas by highways and residences, which changes the habitat. It affects the acclimation and persistence of wildlife and indigenous plant species.

forest influences

A total of the effects or reactions of a woodland on the environmental conditions, such as providing duff as compost, and maintaining uniform stream flow.

Meaning: From the Latin forfic (scissor), referring to the leaf shape
Latin Pronunciation: for-fik-KAY-ree-uh

forest type

A stand of trees that is fundamentally similar throughout and can be predicted to occur elsewhere under comparable conditions. It includes temporary, permanent, climax, and cover types.

Meaning: Lance-shaped
Latin Pronunciation: for-fih-KAY-tum
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:for-fih-KAH-tum

Meaning: Lance-shaped
Latin Pronunciation: for-fih-KAY-tuh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:for-fih-KAH-tuh

Latin Pronunciation: for - flk - kay - tus
Meaning: shear- shaped.

forked

Divided into nearly equal branches.

Meaning: Scissor-shaped-flower
Latin Pronunciation: for-fik-yoo-lih-FLOR-uh

form

A small but constant variation within a population of plants, such as a white- flowered plant in a normally purple-flowered population.

forma (abr. f.)

The rank of taxa below variety; the narrowest taxon; a plant which retains most of the characteristics of the species, but differs in some way such as flower or leaf color, size of mature plant, etc. A forma is added to the specific binomial and preceded by "f.," such asrubra in the epithetCornus florida f.rubra.

Meaning: Named for Eduard Form?nek, 19th century botanist
Latin Pronunciation: for-man-ek-eeAH-nuh

formation

One of the earth's largest subdivisions of vegetation types, usually of huge geographical extent and composed of communities that are similar in physiognomy and broad environmental description, such as the coniferous forests of Canada. See also: climax, biome.

formenkreis

A series of related forms pinpointed geographically that originated entirely or primarily by geographic isolation. See also: speciation, evolution.

Meaning: Beautiful
Latin Pronunciation: for-MOH-suh

Meaning: Of or from Formosa (now Taiwan)
Latin Pronunciation: for-MOH-sa-nuh

Meaning: Of or from Formosa (now Taiwan)
Latin Pronunciation: for-MOH-sa-num

Meaning: More beautiful
Latin Pronunciation: for-MOH-see-or

Meaning: Of or from Formosa (now Taiwan)
Latin Pronunciation: for-MOH-sa-nus

Meaning: Most beautiful
Latin Pronunciation: for-mo-SIS-ee-mum

Latin Pronunciation: for-moh-siss-im-us
Meaning: very beautiful.

Meaning: Most beautiful
Latin Pronunciation: for-mo-SIS-ee-muh

formula

The words that show parentage of a hybrid. Both (Chilopsis x Catalpa) and x Chitalpa are formulae.

Meaning: Beautiful
Latin Pronunciation: for-MOH-sum

Meaning: From the Latin fornicatus, meaning vaulted
Latin Pronunciation: forn-ih-KAH-ta
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:forn-ih-KAY-ta

Meaning: From the Latin fornicatus, meaning vaulted
Latin Pronunciation: forn-ih-KAH-tum
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:forn-ih-KAY-tum

Meaning: From the Latin word, meaning vaulted
Latin Pronunciation: forn-ih-KAH-tus
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:forn-ih-KAY-tus

Meaning: Named for George Forrest, early 20th century Scottish plant collector in western China
Latin Pronunciation: for-rest-ee-AH-num

Meaning: Named for George Forrest, early 20th century Scottish plant collector in western China
Latin Pronunciation: for-rest-ee-AH-nus

Meaning: Named for George Forrest, early 20th century Scottish plant collector in western China
Latin Pronunciation: for-rest-ee-AH-na

Meaning: Named for George Forrest, early 20th century Scottish plant collector in western China
Latin Pronunciation: for-RES-tee-eye

Latin Pronunciation: for - moh - sus
Meaning: beautiful, handsome.

Meaning: Possibly named for Pehr Forsskal, 18th century Swedish botanist and plant collector
Latin Pronunciation: for-SKOL-ee-eye

Meaning: From the Latin word meaning arch
Latin Pronunciation: FOR-niks

Meaning: Old spelling of forsskaolii, named for Pehr Forsskal, 18th century Swedish botanist and plant collector
Latin Pronunciation: for-SKOH-lee-eye

Meaning: Named for Pehr Forsskal, 18th century Swedish botanist and plant collector
Latin Pronunciation: for-SKOH-lee-eye

Meaning: Named for Johann Reinhold Forster and his son Johann Georg Adam Forster, both 18th century naturalists on James Cook's second voyage
Latin Pronunciation: FOR-ster-uh

Meaning: Named for Johann Reinhold Forster, 19th century Australian botanist
Latin Pronunciation: FOR-ster-ee
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:for-STER-eye

fortnight

Two weeks, fourteen nights.

Meaning: From the Latin, meaning happening by chance, accidental
Latin Pronunciation: for-TOO-ih-tuh

Meaning: From the Latin, lucky, fortunate, prosperous
Latin Pronunciation: for-tu-NAH-tuh

Meaning: Named for Robert Fortune, 19th century Scottish horticulturist and collector in China
Latin Pronunciation: for-TOO-nee-uh

Meaning: Named for Robert Fortune, 19th century Scottish horticulturist and collector in China
Latin Pronunciation: for-tun-ee-AY-ree-uh

Meaning: Named for Robert Fortune, 19th century Scottish horticulturist and collector in China
Latin Pronunciation: for-TOO-nee-eye

Meaning: Named for William Forster, 19th century Premier to New South Wales
Latin Pronunciation: for-stair-ee-AY-nuh

Meaning: Named for F. Raymond Fosberg, who collected the plant from the Waianae Mountains in Oahu, Hawaii (U.S.)
Latin Pronunciation: fos-BER-gee-eye

Meaning: Named for Mulford Bateman Foster, 20th century American horticulturist who provided many specimens to the botanist Lymen B. Smith
Latin Pronunciation: fos-ter-ee-AY-nuh

Meaning: Named for Mulford Bateman Foster, 20th century American horticulturist who provided many specimens to the botanist Lymen B. Smith
Latin Pronunciation: fos-ter-EL-luh

Meaning: Named for Mulford Bateman Foster, 20th century American horticulturist who provided many specimens to the botanist Lymen B. Smith
Latin Pronunciation: fos-ter-ee-AY-num

fossorial

Refers to animals that burrow in the soil, e.g., voles.

Meaning: Named for Mulford Bateman Foster, 20th century American horticulturist who provided many specimens to the botanist Lymen B. Smith
Latin Pronunciation: fos-ter-ee-AY-nus

foundation planting

Those shrubs and flowers planted close to the house which make a smooth transition to the surrounding landscape.

founder principle

The theory that an isolated population, perhaps on an island or cut off in other ways, holds a small number of settlers with a limited gene pool, which is the first step toward new species.

Meaning: Named for Pierre Edouard Fouquier, 19th century French physician
Latin Pronunciation: foo-KWEER-ree-uh

Meaning: Named for Henri Georges Fourcade, 20th century forester, land surveyor and keen amateur botanist
Latin Pronunciation: for-KAY-dee-eye

Latin Pronunciation: foh-vee-ay-tus
Meaning: pitted.

Meaning: Named for Eugene Fournier, early 20th century botanist
Latin Pronunciation: for-NEER-eye

Meaning: From the Latin, lucky, fortunate, prosperous
Latin Pronunciation: for-tu-NAH-tum

Latin Pronunciation: foh-vee-oh-lay-tus
Meaning: some what pitted.

Meaning: From the Latin foveo (keeps warm) and linum (flax)
Latin Pronunciation: foh-vee-OH-lin-uh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:foh-vee-oh-LEE-nuh

foveolate (alt. foveate)

Honeycombed; pitted.

fox fire

Phosphorescent light caused by a fungus on decaying wood.

Meaning: Broken joint
Latin Pronunciation: frak-ti-FLEKS-uh

fractiflex

Broken or intermittent zigzag lines.

Meaning: Broken joint
Latin Pronunciation: frak-ti-FLEKS-um

Meaning: Broken joint
Latin Pronunciation: frak-ti-FLEKS-us

Latin Pronunciation: frag-ar-ee-oy-deez
Meaning: Straw berry-like.

Meaning: Resembles Fragaria (from the Latin for strawberry)
Latin Pronunciation: frag-gar-ee-OP-sis

Meaning: Strawberry-bearing
Latin Pronunciation: FRAG-if-er

Meaning: Strawberry-bearing
Latin Pronunciation: frag-IF-er-uh

Meaning: Strawberry-bearing
Latin Pronunciation: frag-IF-er-um

Meaning: Resembles Fragaria (Strawberry)
Latin Pronunciation: frag-ee-for-miss

Latin Pronunciation: fraj-il-iss
Meaning: fragile, brittle.

Meaning: Brittle
Latin Pronunciation: FRAJ-ih-lee
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:FRAJ-ih-lay

fragment

Refers to communities, a stand so small that it lacks sufficient species composition and other characteristics associated with a community. See also: population.

fragmented structure

Refers to a soil composed mostly of particles that exhibit well defined faces and edges. See also: granular structure.

Meaning: Most fragrant
Latin Pronunciation: fray-gran-TISS-ih-muh

Latin Pronunciation: fray-granz
Meaning: fragrant.

Latin Pronunciation: fray-gran-tiss-im-us
Meaning: very fragrant.

Meaning: Named for Manuel Fraile, 19th century Spanish gardener, responsible for the cactus collection of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Latin Pronunciation: FRAY-lee-uh

Meaning: From an Italian name for Oak; now a specific epithet
Latin Pronunciation: frain-ET-oh

Meaning: Named for late Percy Ross Frames, the original collector
Latin Pronunciation: FRAMES-ee-eye

Meaning: Most fragrant
Latin Pronunciation: fray-gran-TISS-ih-mum

frameworking

A grafting method of reworking established trees while maintaining the basic structure of branches.

fragrance garden

A garden consisting of flowering plants and herbs noted for pleasant odors. Often used in recreational/educational areas for the visually impaired, and for residential yards used at night.

Meaning: Named for Adrien Franchet, 19th century French botanist
Latin Pronunciation: fron-SHAY-tee-AY-num
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fron-SHAY-tee-AH-num

Meaning: Alternate spelling of franchetii, named for Adrien Franchet, 19th century French botanist
Latin Pronunciation: fran-SHAY-tee-eye

Meaning: Named for Adrien Franchet, 19th century French botanist
Latin Pronunciation: fron-SHAY-tee-eye

Meaning: Named for San Francisco, California (U.S.), which was in turn originally named after St. Franciss of Assisi by an 18th century priest accompanying a Spanish expedition to the area
Latin Pronunciation: fran-sis-KAN-um

Meaning: Named for San Francisco, California (U.S.), which was in turn originally named after St. Franciss of Assisi by an 18th century priest accompanying a Spanish expedition to the area
Latin Pronunciation: fran-sis-KAN-us

Meaning: Named for Francis Whittier Pennell, early 20th century American botanist, and Curator of Plants at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia
Latin Pronunciation: fran-SIS-ee pen-NEL-ee-eye

Meaning: Ancient Greek name; possibly meaning a tree with fragile wood
Latin Pronunciation: FRANG-yoo-luh

Meaning: Ancient Greek name; possibly meaning a tree with fragile wood
Latin Pronunciation: FRANG-yoo-lum

Meaning: Named for Johan Franke (whose name was apparently Latinized to Frankenius), 17th century German professor of anatomy and botany at Uppsala, Sweden
Latin Pronunciation: fran-KEE-nee-uh

Meaning: Ancient Greek name; possibly meaning a tree with fragile wood
Latin Pronunciation: FRANG-yoo-lus

Meaning: Named for San Francisco, California (U.S.), which was in turn originally named after St. Franciss of Assisi by an 18th century priest accompanying a Spanish expedition to the area
Latin Pronunciation: fran-sis-KAN-uh

Meaning: Resembles plants in the genus Frankenia
Latin Pronunciation: frank-en-ee-oy-dees

Meaning: Named for Joseph C. Frank, who discovered the species in the 19th century
Latin Pronunciation: FRANK-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Benjamin Franklin, one of America's founding father and farmer
Latin Pronunciation: frank-LIN-ee-uh

Meaning: Named for Sir John Franklin, 19th century British former Governor of Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania), who disappeared while exploring northern Canada
Latin Pronunciation: frank-LIN-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Antonio Franseri, 18th-century Spanish botanist
Latin Pronunciation: frans-SER-ee-uh

Meaning: Named for John Fraser, 18th century Scottish botanist and plant collector
Alternative Meaning:Named for Charles Fraser, 18th century plant collector
Latin Pronunciation: FRAY-zer-ee

Meaning: Named for Charles Fraser, 19th century botanist and first Colonial Botanist and Superintendent of the Botanic Gardens in NSW, Australia
Latin Pronunciation: fray-zer-ee-AH-na

Meaning: Named for Charles Fraser, 19th century botanist and first Colonial Botanist and Superintendent of the Botanic Gardens in NSW, Australia
Latin Pronunciation: fray-zer-ee-AH-num

Meaning: Named for Charles Fraser, 19th century botanist and first Colonial Botanist and Superintendent of the Botanic Gardens in NSW, Australia
Latin Pronunciation: fray-zer-ee-AH-nus

frass

Debris and fecal matter produced by insects.

Meaning: Pertaining to a brother; brotherly
Latin Pronunciation: FRA-ter-nuh

Meaning: Pertaining to a brother; brotherly
Latin Pronunciation: FRA-ter-num

Meaning: Pertaining to a brother; brotherly
Latin Pronunciation: FRA-ter-nus

Meaning: named for Joseph von Fraunhofer, 19th century German scientist and inventor
Latin Pronunciation: fron-HOF-er-uh

Meaning: Leaves like Ash tree
Latin Pronunciation: fraks-in-ee-FOH-lee-uh

Meaning: Diminutive of Fraxinus (ancient Latin name for Ash)
Latin Pronunciation: fraks-ih-NEL-uh

Meaning: Leaves like Ash tree
Latin Pronunciation: fraks-in-ee-FOH-lee-um

free-central

Describes placentation where the ovules are borne on a free-standing central placenta within the ovary.

Meaning: Leaves like Ash tree
Latin Pronunciation: fraks-in-ee-FOH-lee-us

freeze

Injury to plants due to low temperatures converting water to ice and bursting cells. 2. A food preservation method that operates by storing items at low temperatures.

Meaning: Named for Friedrich Ludwig Gottlob Frege, 19th century German philosopher and mathematician
Latin Pronunciation: FRAY-gee-uh

Meaning: Named for John Charles Fremont, 19th century Army officer, politician and plant collector in the western U.S.
Latin Pronunciation: free-MON-tee-eye

Meaning: Named for John Charles Fremont, 19th century Army officer, politician and plant collector in the western U.S.
Latin Pronunciation: free-mon-toh-DEN-dron

free

Not adnate to other organs.

Meaning: Named for George Hazen French, American botany professor
Latin Pronunciation: FREN-chee-eye

French drain

A channel leading from an overly wet area or to a dry area to transport water as needed. The deep narrow channel is filled with stone to allow water to pass, but to also provide a firm surface.

frequency (alt. frequence)

1. The level of regularity found in the distribution of individuals of a species in an area, especially in a stand. See also: constancy, stand. 2. A general term for a group of plants with more or less regularity of physiognomy, composition, and habitat. See also: community, association.

frequency class

One of the small groups into which a frequency index of the various species in a stand may be classified.

frequency index

A mathematical expression using the percentage of frequency; e.g., a species inhabiting 16 of 20 sample areas has a frequency index of 80 percent.

Meaning: Of or from Fresno, California (U.S.), which in turn is from the Spanish word fresno, for ash tree
Latin Pronunciation: fres-no-EN-sis

Meaning: Named for Admiral Louis Claude De Saulses de Freycinet, 19th century French navigator and explorer
Latin Pronunciation: frays-en-NAY-sha
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:frays-en-NET-ee-uh

Meaning: Named for Frey, the Norse goddess of love, beauty and fruitfulness
Latin Pronunciation: FRAY-uh

Meaning: Of or from Fresno, California (U.S.), which in turn is from the Spanish word fresno, for ash tree
Latin Pronunciation: fres-no-EN-see

Meaning: Named for Count L de Freylino, 19th century Italian who first cultivated this plant in his garden at Buttigliera near Marengo
Latin Pronunciation: frey-LIN-ee-uh

friable (n. friability)

Loose and crumbly; describes soil that is easily cultivable.

friability

Desirable texture of soil that allows it to crumble into small particles rather than large clods.

Meaning: Cold, stiff
Latin Pronunciation: FRIH-jih-duh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:frih-JEE-duh

Meaning: Named for Alberto Vojtech Fric, 20th century Czech explorer and botanist
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:frik-ee-AY-nus

Meaning: Cold, stiff
Latin Pronunciation: FRIH-jih-duh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:frih-JEE-dum

Meaning: Named for Margarete (Margarethe) Friedrich, 20th century teacher and Mesemb collector in South Africa
Latin Pronunciation: fried-RIK-ee-ay

Latin Pronunciation: frij-id-us
Meaning: from or of cold regions.

frigid zone

That part of the earth lying north of the arctic Circle or south of the Antarctic Circle. See also: temperate zone, tropic zone.

frigorideserta

Tundra; cold arctic or antarctic areas, and alpine communities.

fringed

Fimbriate.

Meaning: Cold, stiff
Latin Pronunciation: FRIH-jih-duh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:frih-JEE-dus

fringing forest

A strip of woodland along a stream or body of water. See also: gallery forest.

Meaning: named for Frank Frith of South Africa
Latin Pronunciation: FRITH-ee-uh

Meaning: Named for Joseph Aloys von Froelich, 19th century German botanist and author
Latin Pronunciation: fro-LIK-ee-uh

Meaning: Diminutive form of Froelichia, genus named for Joseph Aloys von Froelich, 19th century German botanist and author
Latin Pronunciation: froh-lik-ee-EL-uh

Meaning: Named for Joseph Aloys von Froelich, 19th century German botanist and author
Latin Pronunciation: fro-LIK-ee-eye

Meaning: Named for Dr. Ricardo Lemos Froes, a botanical explorer, and chloa, from the Greek word for grass
Latin Pronunciation: froes-ee-oh-KLOH-uh

frond

The leaves of ferns and some other cryptogams, usually having many divisions. Properly, the word frond includes both stipe and blade, but frequently it is used simply to designate any fern-like or feather-like foliage.

Meaning: Leafy, fern-like
Latin Pronunciation: frond-OH-suh

Meaning: Leafy, fern-like
Latin Pronunciation: frond-OH-sum

Latin Pronunciation: fron-doh-sus
Meaning: leafy.

front

The border between warm and cold air masses at the earth's surface.

frost

1. A covering of minute ice crystals on a cold surface. 2. The temperature low enough for this to occur. See also: hard frost, light frost.

frostless season (alt. frost free days)

The time between the last spring frost and the first autumn frost.

frost resistance

The capacity for survival of a plant when ice crystals form in the cells. See also: hardening.

frondose

Leafy, frond-like.

Latin Pronunciation: frook-tess-enz
Meaning: fruitful.

Latin Pronunciation: frook-tif-er-us
Meaning: bearing fruits.

fructification

The act or organs of fruiting.

fructiferous

Capable of bearing fruit.

Latin Pronunciation: frook-tij-en-us
Meaning: fruitful.

Meaning: From the Latin fructus (fruit)
Latin Pronunciation: fruk-TOH-sa

frugivore

An animal that eats fruit.

fruit-dot

A sorus.

fruit

1. The mature ovary of a seed plant. 2. Sporangia; often applied to the sporophyte.

fruiting dates

The period of year when the fruit of a species may be expected to have ripened, ready to produce viable seeds.

fruiting spur

On a fruit tree, a short twisted branch with rings around it, which flowers and produces fruit.

Meaning: Pertaining to grain; grain-bearing
Latin Pronunciation: froo-men-TA-see-uh

fruit harvester

A basket made of wire with curved tips, fastened to a long handle, to catch fruit and pluck it from the ground.

Meaning: Pertaining to grain; grain-bearing
Latin Pronunciation: froo-men-TA-see-um

Meaning: From the Latin frustrare, meaning to deceive, disappoint or frustrate
Latin Pronunciation: frus-TRAY-ta

Meaning: From the Latin frustrare, meaning to deceive, disappoint or frustrate
Latin Pronunciation: frus-TRAY-tus

Meaning: Becoming shrubby; see also frutescens
Latin Pronunciation: froo-TESS-enz

Meaning: Pertaining to grain; grain-bearing
Latin Pronunciation: froo-men-TA-see-us

Latin Pronunciation: frew-tess-enz
Meaning: shrubby, bushy.

frutescent (alt. fruticose)

Resembling a shrub.

fruticeta

Vegetation type made up of scrubby forest.

Meaning: Shrubby
Latin Pronunciation: froo-tih-KOH-suh

Meaning: Becoming shrubby
Latin Pronunciation: FROO-tih-kanz

Meaning: From the Latin frustrare, meaning to deceive, disappoint or frustrate
Latin Pronunciation: frus-TRAY-tum

fruticose

Shrub-like, bushy, with many stems rather than a single trunk; a form of lichen which appears shrubby or hair-like.

Meaning: Shrubby
Latin Pronunciation: froo-tih-KOH-sum

fruticose lichen

A lichen with a thallus more than 10 cm. (4 inches) tall, like Cladonia rangiferina, reindeer moss.

Latin Pronunciation: frew-tik-koh-sus
Meaning: shrubby, bushy (fruticose).

Meaning: Somewhat shrubby
Latin Pronunciation: froo-tih-koh-LOH-suh

Meaning: Somewhat shrubby
Latin Pronunciation: froo-tih-koh-LOH-sum

Latin Pronunciation: frew-tik-yew-loh-sus
Meaning: somewhat shrubby.

Meaning: Named for Dr. Paul A. Fryxell, 20th century expert on the Malvaceae family and professor
Latin Pronunciation: fry-ZEL-lee-uh

Meaning: Painted or dyed
Latin Pronunciation: few-KAY-tuh

Meaning: Painted or dyed
Latin Pronunciation: few-KAY-tum

Latin Pronunciation: few-kay-tus
Meaning: painted, dyed.

Meaning: Named for Leonard Fuchs, 16th century German botanist
Latin Pronunciation: FEW-shee-eye
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:FEWK-see-eye

Latin Pronunciation: fook-see-oy-deez
Meaning: Fuchsia-like.

fucoid

Resembling a seaweed, especially Fucus.

Meaning: Named for Father Miguel Domingo Fuertes Loren, early 20th century botanist in the Dominican Republic
Latin Pronunciation: fooer-TEZ-ee-uh

Meaning: Diminutive of Fuertesia, which is named for Father Miguel Domingo Fuertes Loren, early 20th century botanist in the Dominican Republic
Latin Pronunciation: fooer-tez-ee-ELL-uh

Latin Pronunciation: few-gax
Meaning: rapid.

Meaning: Named for George Fuiren, a 16th century Danish physician and botanist in Copenhagen
Latin Pronunciation: fur-REE-nuh

Latin Pronunciation: full-jenz
Meaning: shining, glistening.

Meaning: Shining, shiny
Latin Pronunciation: FUL-jih-dum

fugacious

Falling or fading very early; short-lived.

Latin Pronunciation: full-jid-us
Meaning: shining.

Latin Pronunciation: few-lij-in-oh-sus
Meaning: sooty-black.

Meaning: Of the fullers (wool carders)
Latin Pronunciation: FUL-oh-nuh

Meaning: Of the fullers (wool carders)
Latin Pronunciation: FUL-oh-num

Meaning: Shining, shiny
Latin Pronunciation: FUL-jih-duh

Meaning: Of the fullers (wool carders)
Latin Pronunciation: FUL-oh-nus

fully double

Flower heads with multiple rows of ray florets; the disc florets are immature and completely covered by the central rays when the flower is at its prime stage.

fully stocked

Refers to a stand that contains as many trees or other materials of the species and ages as the site can support. See also: overstocked, understocked, carrying capacity.

fully revolute

Rolled backwards with margins touching or overlaping.

Latin Pronunciation: full-vess-enz
Meaning: becoming tawny-orange.

Meaning: Reddish-yellow
Latin Pronunciation: FUL-vuh

Meaning: Tawny-headed
Latin Pronunciation: FUL-vih-keps
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:FUL-vih-seps

Meaning: Tawny-haired
Latin Pronunciation: ful-vee-KOH-ma

Meaning: Tawny
Latin Pronunciation: FUL-vee-dus

Meaning: Tawny
Latin Pronunciation: FUL-vee-duh

Meaning: Tawny
Latin Pronunciation: FUL-vee-dum

Meaning: From the Greek fulvus (tawny or reddish-brown) and lanata (woolly)
Latin Pronunciation: fulv-ih-la-NA-tus

Latin Pronunciation: full-vuss
Meaning: tawny-orange.

fulvous (syn. tawny)

Dull brownish-yellow.

Meaning: Reddish-yellow
Latin Pronunciation: FUL-vum

Meaning: The Fumaria (fumitory) family; the name means earth smoke
Latin Pronunciation: foo-mar-ee-AY-see-ay

Meaning: Having Fumaria-like leaves
Latin Pronunciation: foo-mar-ee-FOH-lee-um

Meaning: Having Fumaria-like leaves
Latin Pronunciation: foo-mar-ee-FOH-lee-us

Meaning: Having Fumaria-like leaves
Latin Pronunciation: foo-mar-ee-FOH-lee-uh

fumarole

A hole in the earth from which heat and gasses escape under pressure.

Latin Pronunciation: few-nee-briss
Meaning: funereal.

fungicide (adj. fungicidal)

An agent to inhibit the growth of, or destroy fungus.

Meaning: Pertaining to death or a funeral, or of the Funeral Mountains, in the Mojave Desert (U.S.)
Latin Pronunciation: few-NER-ee-a

Meaning: Pertaining to death or a funeral, or of the Funeral Mountains, in the Mojave Desert (U.S.)
Latin Pronunciation: few-NER-ee-us

fungicide (adj. fungicidal)

An agent to inhibit the growth of, or destroy fungus.

Meaning: Spongy
Latin Pronunciation: fun-GO-suh

fungivorous

Refers to organisms that eat fungi.

fungoid

Resembling a fungus, mushroom-shaped.

Latin Pronunciation: fun-goh-sus
Meaning: spongy, pertaining to a fungus.

funicle (alt. funiculus)

The free stalk of an ovule or seed.

fungus (pl. fungi, pl. funguses)

A nonflowering plant of the kingdom Fungi, all lacking chlorophyll.

Meaning: Spongy
Latin Pronunciation: fun-GO-sum

Latin Pronunciation: few-nik-yew-/ay-tus
Meaning: per taining to rope or cord; with anovule stalk (funicle).

Meaning: Bearing rope
Latin Pronunciation: foo-NIF-er-uh

funiculus

The stalk of the ovary in plants.

Meaning: Bearing rope
Latin Pronunciation: foo-NIF-er-um

Meaning: Named for Henrich Christian Funck, 19th century German botanist
Latin Pronunciation: FUNK-ee-uh

Meaning: Possibly named for Henrich Christian Funck, 19th century German botanist
Latin Pronunciation: funk-ee-AY-nuh

Meaning: Bearing rope
Latin Pronunciation: foo-NIF-er-us

Meaning: from the West African vernacular funtum (rubber-tree)
Latin Pronunciation: fun-TOOM-ee-uh

Meaning: Named for North American botanist Kate Furbish
Latin Pronunciation: fur-BISH-yay
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fur-BIS-e-ay

Latin Pronunciation: fur-kanz
Meaning: forked.

Meaning: Forked
Latin Pronunciation: fur-KAY-tuh

furcate

Regularly forked.

Meaning: Forked
Latin Pronunciation: fur-KAY-tum

Latin Pronunciation: fur-kay-tus
Meaning: forked (furcate).

Meaning: Little two pronged fork
Latin Pronunciation: fer-sel-LAH-tuh
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fer-kel-LAH-tuh

Meaning: Little two pronged fork
Latin Pronunciation: fer-sel-LAH-tum
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fer-kel-LAH-tum

Meaning: Little two pronged fork
Latin Pronunciation: fer-sel-LAH-tus
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fer-kel-LAH-tus

Meaning: With a meal or scurf
Latin Pronunciation: fur-fur-AH-see-um

furfuraceous

Covered with bran-like scales.

Meaning: With a meal or scurf
Latin Pronunciation: fur-fur-AH-see-us

furrowed

With channels running lengthwise, including both sulcate grooves and striate thread marks.

Meaning: Named for C.X. Furtado, 20th century botanist in Singapore
Latin Pronunciation: fur-TAH-doh-uh

furrow dam

A small earth blockade for holding water within a furrow. See also: lister.

fusarium (pl. fusaria)

Any of the pathogenic, imperfect fungi of the genusFusarium which infect both plants and animals.

Meaning: Brown- (or dusky-) painted
Latin Pronunciation: fus-ka-PIK-ta

Meaning: Brown, dusky
Latin Pronunciation: FUS-kah-tuh

Meaning: With a meal or scurf
Latin Pronunciation: fur-fur-AH-see-uh

Meaning: Brown, dusky
Latin Pronunciation: FUS-kuh

Latin Pronunciation: fuss-kay-tus
Meaning: brownish.

Meaning: Becoming brown or dusky
Latin Pronunciation: fus-KES-enz

Latin Pronunciation: fuss-koh-roo-brah
Meaning: brownish red.

fuscous

Dusky, grayish-brown.

Meaning: Brown, dusky
Latin Pronunciation: FUS-kah-tum

Meaning: Brown, dusky
Latin Pronunciation: FUS-kum

Latin Pronunciation: fuss-cus
Meaning: brown, dusky (fuscous).

Meaning: Spindle shaped
Latin Pronunciation: fus-EE-for-mee
Alternative Self-Pronouncing:fus-EE-for-may

fusiform

Spindle-shaped; swollen in the middle and narrowing toward each end.

Latin Pronunciation: few-sif-form-iss
Meaning: spindle- shaped.

fusoid

Somewhat spindle-shaped.

fusiform root

A taproot which tapers at the top as well as the bottom, like a white radish.

Meaning: Fused seed
Latin Pronunciation: few-see-SPER-mum

fynbos

A South African term for sclerophyll vegetation on plateaus and mountains, similar to macchia of the Mediterranean region and chaparral of California.

F layer

Sometimes used to designate the upper layer of soil litter whose origin and age can still be determined, although it is partially decomposed.