Cor tomentosum refers to a Latin botanical term that translates to "tomentose heart" in English. It is primarily used in the field of botany to describe a specific characteristic or trait found in certain plant species.
The term "cor" refers to the heart-shaped appearance of the plant, while "tomentosum" pertains to the presence of a dense layer of short, soft, matted, woolly, or hairy covering on the plant's leaves, stems, or other parts. This covering, often referred to as tomentum, is made up of fine hairs or trichomes that create a fuzzy or velvety texture.
Plants with cor tomentosum are typically identified by their heart-shaped leaves and the dense, felt-like coating that covers them. This layer of trichomes serves multiple functions, including protection against excessive sunlight, reducing water loss through transpiration, and providing insulation against extreme temperature fluctuations.
Cor tomentosum is a distinctive feature found in various plant families and species, including some members of the Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Solanaceae families. It can be observed in numerous plants, such as the silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana), lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina), and common mullein (Verbascum thapsus).
Overall, cor tomentosum is an important botanical term that aids botanists and enthusiasts in classifying and describing plants based on their heart-shaped appearance and the presence of a soft, dense, woolly or hairy covering.
