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Glossary

A

Achene:

  • Dock (Rumex sp.) achenes  


    A small, dry fruit that does not split open containing a single seed tightly enclosed by a thin wall

A small, dry fruit that does not split open containing a single seed tightly enclosed by a thin wall

Annual:

A plant that completes its lifecycle, meaning its seed germinates producing a plant that flowers, bears fruit, and then dies, in one growing season.

Awn:

  • False wild oat (Avena sativa mut. fatuoid) florets


    A slender bristle, often twisted and bent like an elbow, attached to glumes or lemmas in grasses (Poaceae).

A slender bristle, often twisted and bent like an elbow, attached to glumes or lemmas in grasses (Poaceae).

B

Berry:

  • Silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium) berry, partially opened


    A fleshy fruit containing a few to many seeds.

A fleshy fruit containing a few to many seeds.

Biennial:

A plant that completes its life cycle within two growing seasons. In the first season the seed germinates producing a plant that usually exists as a basal rosette throughout the winter (eg. Carduus nutans). The following growing season the rosette bolts, flowers, produces seeds, and then dies.

Bract:

  • Yellow star-thistle (Centaurea solstitialis) spiny bracts surrounding the flower head


    Leaf-like or scale-like structure often associated with flowers.

Leaf-like or scale-like structure often associated with flowers.

Bulbil:

  • Bulbous blue grass (Poa bulbosa) bulbils


    A small bulb formed from modified leaves, often held within the inflorescence. A form of vegetative reproduction.

A small bulb formed from modified leaves, often held within the inflorescence. A form of vegetative reproduction.

Bur:

  • Long-spined sandbur (Cenchrus longispinus) bur


    Bracts or excrescences of the stem forming a generally spinous envelope around a seed or spikelet.

Bracts or excrescences of the stem forming a generally spinous envelope around a seed or spikelet.

C

Callus:

  • Woolly cup grass (Eriochloa villosa) spikelet, close-up view of the base


    A thickened area at the base of the floret in some grasses (Poaceae), with a distinctive scar or hairs.

A thickened area at the base of the floret in some grasses (Poaceae), with a distinctive scar or hairs.

Calyx:

  • Forsythia sp. calyx


    Collective term for the sepals: the whorl of bracts on the outside of the flower that is usually green.

Collective term for the sepals: the whorl of bracts on the outside of the flower that is usually green.

Capsule:

  • Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) seeds (top right) and capsules (bottom left)


    A dry fruit that splits on maturity and releases few to many seeds via slits, pores, teeth, or lids.

A dry fruit that splits on maturity and releases few to many seeds via slits, pores, teeth, or lids.

Caruncle:

  • Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) seed, top view, caruncle at top


    An outgrowth of tissue near the hilum; aids in dispersal by insect vectors. An identification feature in the Spurge family (Euphorbiaceae).

An outgrowth of tissue near the hilum; aids in dispersal by insect vectors. An identification feature in the Spurge family (Euphorbiaceae).

Caryopsis:

  • Wild oat (Avena fatua) caryopses


    Is a dry fruit of the Grass family (Poaceae), containing one seed that is fused to a thin seed coat.

Is a dry fruit of the Grass family (Poaceae), containing one seed that is fused to a thin seed coat.

Corolla:

  • Forsythia sp. corolla


    A collective term for the whorl of petals that can be separate or fused in a flower.

A collective term for the whorl of petals that can be separate or fused in a flower.

Cotyledon:

  • Common scurvygrass (Cochlearia groenlandica) seed, cotyledon on right side


    The seed leaves, may be large and lend shape to the seed, such as in the Pea (Fabaceae) and Mustard (Brassicaceae) families.

The seed leaves, may be large and lend shape to the seed, such as in the Pea (Fabaceae) and Mustard (Brassicaceae) families.

D

Dioecious:

Having unisexual flowers on separate staminate (“male”) and pistillate (“female”) plants.

Drupe:

  • Prunus virginiana drupe


    A fleshy fruit with a single hard stone containing a seed, such as a cherry.

A fleshy fruit with a single hard stone containing a seed, such as a cherry.

E

Embryo description:

Follow this link for descriptions of embryo shape, size and position within the seed: Embryo Description

Embryo:

  • Dock (Rumex sp.) seed in cross-section, endosperm (yellow) surrounding embryo (white)


    The undeveloped plant generally enveloped by endosperm inside of the seed. The embryo may be small, or fill the seed completely. Follow this link for descriptions of embryo shape, size and position within the seed: Embryo Descriptions

The undeveloped plant generally enveloped by endosperm inside of the seed. The embryo may be small, or fill the seed completely. Follow this link for descriptions of embryo shape, size and position within the seed: Embryo Descriptions

Endosperm:

  • Dock (Rumex sp.) seed, cross-section, endosperm (yellow) surrounding embryo (white)


    Tissue containing starch and oil that surrounds the embryo and provides nutrients for its development.

Tissue containing starch and oil that surrounds the embryo and provides nutrients for its development.

F

Floret:

  • Japanese brome (Bromus japonicus) floret


    Collective term for the grain or caryopsis enclosed by two bracts known as a lemma and a palea in the Grass family (Poaceae).

Collective term for the grain or caryopsis enclosed by two bracts known as a lemma and a palea in the Grass family (Poaceae).

Fruit colour description:

Follow this link for descriptions of standard Fruit Colour and Colour Patterns (click to follow link)

Fruit shape description:

Follow this link for descriptions of common Fruit Shapes (click to follow link)

Fruit surface description:

Follow this link for descriptions of common Fruit Surface Features (click to follow link)

Fruit:

  • Silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium) berry, partially opened


    The mature ovary of a flower that encloses the seeds. May include accessory parts such as bracts or the perianth.

The mature ovary of a flower that encloses the seeds. May include accessory parts such as bracts or the perianth.

Funiculus:

  • Lupinus sp. legume


    The stalk that connects the developing seed to the fruit wall.

The stalk that connects the developing seed to the fruit wall.

G

Glume:

  • Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) spikelet, glumes at base


    A pair of bracts enclosing one or more grass (Poaceae) florets.

A pair of bracts enclosing one or more grass (Poaceae) florets.

H

Hilum:

  • Large thorn-apple (Datura ferox) seed, hilum is yellow tissue along narrow edge


    The scar on a seed where it was attached to the ovary during development.

The scar on a seed where it was attached to the ovary during development.

Hypanthium:

  • Rosa sp. hypanthium


    A partial fusion of the sepals, petals and stamens that form a cup-like or tubular structure on the ovary. Also known as a floral cup.

A partial fusion of the sepals, petals and stamens that form a cup-like or tubular structure on the ovary. Also known as a floral cup.

I

Inflorescence:

The collective term for the flowering parts of a plant and the stalk that supports them.

Involucral bracts:

  • Yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) flower head


    Small leaf-like organs that surround the flower head within the Asteraceae.

     

Small leaf-like organs that surround the flower head within the Asteraceae.

 

K

Keel:

  • Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) floret, side view of lemma, keel along left side


    A prominent ridge, often formed from folding of the lemma in the Grass family (Poaceae) and/or placement of a central nerve.

A prominent ridge, often formed from folding of the lemma in the Grass family (Poaceae) and/or placement of a central nerve.

L

Legume:

  • Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) legumes and seed (lower right)


    A dry fruit type of the Pea family (Fabaceae) that opens along two longitudinal sutures.

A dry fruit type of the Pea family (Fabaceae) that opens along two longitudinal sutures.

Lemma:

  • Japanese brome (Bromus japonicus) floret


    In grass species (Poaceae), it is the larger of the two bracts that enclose the flower, and often decorated with hairs and an awn.

In grass species (Poaceae), it is the larger of the two bracts that enclose the flower, and often decorated with hairs and an awn.

M

Mericarp:

  • Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum)
    mericarps


    A section of a dry fruit enclosing a seed that breaks away from the schizocarpic fruit at maturity. Seen in the Parsley (Apiaceae) family.

A section of a dry fruit enclosing a seed that breaks away from the schizocarpic fruit at maturity. Seen in the Parsley (Apiaceae) family.

Monoecious:

Having unisexual flowers, i.e. staminate (“male”) and pistillate (“female”) flowers on the same plant. Also refers to the common status of bisexual flowers on the same plant.

Mucilaginous:

A sticky, colourless polysaccharide that is produced when seeds of certain species are wetted. This quality is often used to distinguish between species in the Brassicaceae.

N

Nutlet:

  • Paterson's curse (Echium plantagineum) nutlets


    One-seeded dry fruit with a hard, dense shell.

One-seeded dry fruit with a hard, dense shell.

O

Oil duct:

  • Hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi) mericarp, brown oil duct in centre


    An area of the fruit that contains aromatic oils; used for identification in the Parsley family (Apiaceae).

An area of the fruit that contains aromatic oils; used for identification in the Parsley family (Apiaceae).

Ovary:

  • Forsythia sp. ovary


    The basal part of the pistil enclosing the ovules (immature seeds) and becomes the fruit at maturity.

The basal part of the pistil enclosing the ovules (immature seeds) and becomes the fruit at maturity.

P

Palea:

  • Japanese brome (Bromus japonicus) floret


    In grass species (Poaceae), it is the smaller of the two bracts that enclose the flower. The hairs or teeth around the margin are used for identification.

In grass species (Poaceae), it is the smaller of the two bracts that enclose the flower. The hairs or teeth around the margin are used for identification.

Pappus:

  • Malta knapweed (Centaurea melitensis) achenes


    A tuft of bristles, hairs or scales attached to the top of fruits in the Aster family (Asteraceae) to aid in dispersal. A modified calyx.

A tuft of bristles, hairs or scales attached to the top of fruits in the Aster family (Asteraceae) to aid in dispersal. A modified calyx.

Perennial:

A plant that renews its growth each year and completes its life cycle in more than 2 years. Flowering and fruit production usually occurs each growing season.

Perianth:

  • Field dock (Rumex pseudonatronatus) achenes and achenes with remnant perianth


    The collective term for the corolla (petals) and calyx (sepals), or tepals. May be persistent and enclose the mature fruit.

The collective term for the corolla (petals) and calyx (sepals), or tepals. May be persistent and enclose the mature fruit.

Perigynum:

  • Carex rostrata perigyna, achenes inside


    A sac-like, inflated bract enclosing the achene in Sedge species (Carex spp., Cyperaceae).

A sac-like, inflated bract enclosing the achene in Sedge species (Carex spp., Cyperaceae).

Persistent:

  • Curled dock (Rumex crispus) achenes and perianth


    Refers to a part of the seed or fruit that remains attached after the disseminule is dispersed (eg. the persistent perianth of Rumex spp. fruits)

Refers to a part of the seed or fruit that remains attached after the disseminule is dispersed (eg. the persistent perianth of Rumex spp. fruits)

Petal:

  • Forsythia sp. petal


    Thin, coloured and showy bracts of a flower to attract pollinators. Collectively termed the corolla.

Thin, coloured and showy bracts of a flower to attract pollinators. Collectively termed the corolla.

Pistil:

  • Forsythia sp. pistil


    A reproductive organ in a flower that contains the developing seed(s); composed of an ovary, style(s), and stigma(s).

A reproductive organ in a flower that contains the developing seed(s); composed of an ovary, style(s), and stigma(s).

R

Radicle:

  • Common scurvygrass (Cochlearia officinalis) seed, radicle along left side


    The seed root; it may be distinct and lend shape to the seed, such as in the Mustard family (Brassicaceae).

The seed root; it may be distinct and lend shape to the seed, such as in the Mustard family (Brassicaceae).

Raphe:

  • Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) seed, top view, raphe dark line in centre


    A distinctive darkened and/or raised line on the surface of a seed; a portion of the funiculus that is fused to the seed wall. Seen primarily in the Spurge (Euphorbiaceae) and Loosestrife (Lythraceae) families.

A distinctive darkened and/or raised line on the surface of a seed; a portion of the funiculus that is fused to the seed wall. Seen primarily in the Spurge (Euphorbiaceae) and Loosestrife (Lythraceae) families.

Receptacle:

  • Artemisia biennis receptacle


    The tissue at the end of the flower stalk to which most or all floral parts are attached. In the Aster family (Asteraceae) individual flowers (florets) are attached to it.

The tissue at the end of the flower stalk to which most or all floral parts are attached. In the Aster family (Asteraceae) individual flowers (florets) are attached to it.

Resin gland:

  • Scentless chamomile (Tripleurospermum inodorum) achene, two round resin glands appear at the top of the achene


    An area of a fruit that contains resin, can be a distinctive marking in members of the Aster family (Asteraceae).

An area of a fruit that contains resin, can be a distinctive marking in members of the Aster family (Asteraceae).

S

SCALE TO SEED REFERENCE


    • Each image includes a scale, most often in millimeters (mm), but occasionally in centimeters (cm) for larger seeds.
    • The scale is unique to each image and has been formatted according to the magnification that the image was taken.
    • The scale allows you to quickly determine the size of the seed, whether it be diameter, length, width, or thickness.
    • If you have difficulty envisioning the scale in standard units, a user-friendly scale based on images of common crop seeds is available for referencing different sized seeds below.


    • Each image includes a scale, most often in millimeters (mm), but occasionally in centimeters (cm) for larger seeds.
    • The scale is unique to each image and has been formatted according to the magnification that the image was taken.
    • The scale allows you to quickly determine the size of the seed, whether it be diameter, length, width, or thickness.
    • If you have difficulty envisioning the scale in standard units, a user-friendly scale based on images of common crop seeds is available for referencing different sized seeds below.
  • Each image includes a scale, most often in millimeters (mm), but occasionally in centimeters (cm) for larger seeds.
  • The scale is unique to each image and has been formatted according to the magnification that the image was taken.
  • The scale allows you to quickly determine the size of the seed, whether it be diameter, length, width, or thickness.
  • If you have difficulty envisioning the scale in standard units, a user-friendly scale based on images of common crop seeds is available for referencing different sized seeds below.
Schizocarp:

  • Cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris)  schizocarps


    A dry fruit that splits into two or more segments (mericarps), each containing one seed.

A dry fruit that splits into two or more segments (mericarps), each containing one seed.

Seed colour description:

Follow this link for descriptions of standardized Seed Colour and Colour Patterns (click to follow link)

Seed shape description:

Follow this link for descriptions of common Seed Shapes (click to follow link)

Seed surface description:

Follow this link for descriptions of common Seed Surface Features (click to follow link)

Seed:

  • Tall hedge mustard (Sisymbrium loeselii) seeds


    A fertilized mature ovule of a plant that is composed of: an embryo, nutritive tissue, and a seed coat.

A fertilized mature ovule of a plant that is composed of: an embryo, nutritive tissue, and a seed coat.

Sepal:

  • Forsythia sp. sepal


    Thick, usually green bract of the flower that provides protection and supports the petals. Reduced to scales in the Aster family (Asteraceae). Collectively termed the calyx.

Thick, usually green bract of the flower that provides protection and supports the petals. Reduced to scales in the Aster family (Asteraceae). Collectively termed the calyx.

Silicle:

Fruits of the Brassicaceae family that are less than three times the width. They split into two valves when mature with a thin partition between them. The seeds are attached around the rim of the partition.

Silique:

Fruits of the Brassicaceae family that are at least three times longer than wide. They split into two valves when mature with a thin partition between them. The seeds are attached around the rim of the partition.

Spikelet:

  • Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) spikelet


    The inflorescence unit of the Grass family (Poaceae) composed of two basal glumes and one or more florets.

The inflorescence unit of the Grass family (Poaceae) composed of two basal glumes and one or more florets.

Stamen:

  • Forsythia sp. stamen


    A reproductive organ in the flower that is composed of a stalk (filament) and an anther that produces pollen.

A reproductive organ in the flower that is composed of a stalk (filament) and an anther that produces pollen.

Style:

  • Creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) achenes, style appendages visible


    The stalk-like section connecting the ovary and the stigma of a pistil. It often persists on the top of the fruit and used in identification, especially in the Buttercup (Ranunculaceae) and Aster (Asteraceae) families.

The stalk-like section connecting the ovary and the stigma of a pistil. It often persists on the top of the fruit and used in identification, especially in the Buttercup (Ranunculaceae) and Aster (Asteraceae) families.

T

Tepal:

A bract in a perianth composed of petals and sepals that look alike and cannot be differentiated.

 

U

Utricle:

  • Halogeton (Halogeton glomeratus) utricle


    A small, dry fruit containing a seed surrounded by a thin fruit wall that is typically inflated.

A small, dry fruit containing a seed surrounded by a thin fruit wall that is typically inflated.

W

Whorl:

The arrangement of plant structures such as leaves and floral parts that encircle the stem at the attachment nodes.

Winter annual:

A plant that germinates in the fall or winter season and completes its life cycle in a year. It overwinters as a rosette which grows to produce flowers and fruits the next summer after which it dies.