Amphibious. Growing equally well in water or on dry land.
Amphitropal, Amphitropous. Applied to the ovule when it is curved so that both ends are brought near together.
Amplexicaul. Applied to leaves or stipules when the base is dilated and embraces the stem.
Anastomosing. When one vein unites with another, the union forming a reticulation or network.
Anatropal, Anatropous. When the ovule is reversed or bent back so that the micropyle is close to the hilum and the chalaza at the other end.
Andrœcium. The male system of a flower; the stamens collectively.
Androgynous. Having both male and female flowers in the same inflorescence, as in many species of Carex.
Anemophilous. Flowers which are fertilised through the agency of the wind, the pollen being conveyed through the air.
Angiosperms, Angiospermæ. Plants having their ovules enclosed in an ovary.
Annual. Applied to plants which grow up and perish in one season.
Annular. Ring-shaped.
Annulate. Furnished with rings or belts.
Annulus. In ferns, applied to an elastic ring which partially or wholly surrounds the sporangium and ruptures it at maturity.
Anterior. Placed in front, or turned away from the axis.
Anther. That portion of a stamen which contains the pollen.
Antheridium. The male sexual organ in Cryptogams, answering to the anther in Phanerogams.
Antherozoids. Motile cells provided with cilia, produce 1 within an antheridium; also called "spermatozoids."
Anthesis. The period of expansion of a flower.
Anticous. Remote, or turned away from the axis.
Apetalous. Having no corolla or inner perianth.
Apex. The tip or summit of any organ.
Aphyllous. Not possessing leaves.
Apical. At the apex or summit.
Apiculate. Abruptly ending in a short and sharp point.
Apocarpous. Applied to a flower in which the carpels or ovaries are separate.
Appendage. Something added or attached to an organ, but not an essential part of it.
Appendiculate. Furnished with appendages.
Appressed. Lying flat or pressed close for the whole length, as hairs to the surface of a leaf.
Aquatic. Living in water.
Arachnoid. Resembling a spider's web.
Arborescent. Resembling a tree in size and mode of growth.
Archegonium. The female sexual organ in Cryptogams, containing the oosphere, which after fertilisation develops into the sporophyte.
Arcuate. Curved or bent like a bow.
Areole. A small area or space marked out on any surface; a small interstice or cavity; a space in any reticulated surface.
Areolate. Marked with areoles; divided into distinct spaces or meshes.
Areolation. A system of reticulated markings.
Aril, Arillus. An expansion of the funicle, more or less enveloping the seed.
Arillate. Provided with an aril.
Aristate. Awned; provided with a bristle-like point.
Articulated. Jointed; separated into distinct members or joints.
Ascending. Rising somewhat obliquely; not quite erect.
Asperous. Rough; harsh to the touch.
Attenuate. Tapering gradually; drawn out.
Auricle. A small ear-hke lobe or appendage at the base of a leaf.
Auriculate. Provided with auricles.
