Dodecandrous is a botanical term used to describe the arrangement of twelve or more stamens in a flower. The word is pronounced as /dəʊdɛkəndrəs/. The spelling of the word can be broken down phonetically as "dod-ek-an-druhss", with the emphasis on the second syllable. The prefix "dodeca" means twelve, and "androus" means stamens, hence the meaning of the term. Understanding the pronunciation and spelling of botanical terms like "dodecandrous" is essential for botanists, horticulturists, and anyone interested in the world of plants.
Dodecandrous is an adjective used to describe a botanical characteristic typically associated with flowering plants. The term refers to the condition when a plant possesses twelve stamens, which are the male reproductive organs responsible for producing and releasing pollen. In dodecandrous plants, the stamens are arranged in two whorls or concentric circles around the central part of the flower, known as the gynoecium, which contains the female reproductive structures.
The arrangement of the stamens is important in plant taxonomy, as it can help identify and classify different plant species. Dodecandry is considered an intermediate condition between plants that have fewer stamens (such as those with tetra- or pentamery) and those with greater numbers (such as plants with multimerous arrangements).
Dodecandry can be found in a variety of flowering plants, including many widespread and familiar species. It is often studied and observed by botanists and horticulturists as part of their research or plant identification endeavors. Understanding the number and arrangement of stamens in a flower is crucial for many applications, such as plant breeding, genetic studies, and understanding the reproductive biology of different plant groups.
In summary, dodecandrous refers to plants that have twelve stamens arranged in two whorls. This term helps categorize plants based on their floral structures and aids in various areas of botany and plant science.
Pert. to a class of plants.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Dodecandrous" is derived from two different roots. "Dodeca-" comes from the Greek word "dodeka", meaning "twelve". This prefix is commonly used to denote the number twelve in various scientific and mathematical terms.
The second part of the word, "-androus", is derived from the Greek word "andros", meaning "male" or "man". This suffix is frequently used in botanical terms to describe plants or flowers that have male reproductive organs called stamens.
Therefore, when combined, "Dodecandrous" refers to a plant or flower that possesses twelve stamens.