ACROCARPOUS Meaning and
Definition
-
Acrocarpous is an adjective that refers to a specific growth habit or characteristic found in certain plants, particularly in the plant family Bryaceae. The term is derived from the combination of the Greek words "acro" meaning "top" or "tip" and "carpous" meaning "fruit". In a botanical context, it describes a type of moss or bryophyte that produces its reproductive structures, or sporophytes, at the apex or tip of its main axis.
Plants classified as acrocarpous tend to form compact, densely clustered tufts or cushions, with their main stems growing in an upright fashion. The sporophytes associated with these plants develop at the apex of these stems. This growth habit is in contrast to that of other mosses, such as the pleurocarpous mosses, which have sporophytes that arise laterally or along the sides of the main axis.
Acrocarpous mosses are often found in various habitats, including forests, wetlands, and alpine environments. They play important ecological roles, aiding in soil stabilization, moisture retention, and nutrient cycling. Mosses possessing an acrocarpous growth habit are also commonly used in horticulture or for decorative purposes due to their attractive appearance and ease of cultivation.
Overall, the term acrocarpous describes a specific type of moss or bryophyte growth habit characterized by the development of reproductive structures at the tip of the main axis.
-
In botany noting a moss in which the archegonium is developed on the summit of the primary stem.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ACROCARPOUS
- zcrocarpous
- scrocarpous
- wcrocarpous
- qcrocarpous
- axrocarpous
- avrocarpous
- afrocarpous
- adrocarpous
- aceocarpous
- acdocarpous
- acfocarpous
- actocarpous
- ac5ocarpous
- ac4ocarpous
- acricarpous
- acrkcarpous
- acrlcarpous
- acrpcarpous
- acr0carpous
Etymology of ACROCARPOUS
The word "acrocarpous" is derived from two Greek roots: "acro-" meaning "topmost" or "highest", and "karpos" meaning "fruit". In botany, "acrocarpous" refers to the growth habit of certain mosses where the reproductive structures, or capsules (fruits), are produced at the tips of the main stems or branches. The word was coined combining these Greek elements to specifically describe this aspect of moss morphology.
Similar spelling words for ACROCARPOUS
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
