Resupinate is an adjective used to describe the orientation or position of certain organisms, particularly fungi, flowers, and insects. The term stems from the Latin word "resupinatus," meaning turned back or upwards, and it signifies the distinctive characteristic of having the lower side facing up or outward.
In mycology, resupinate describes a specific growth habit of certain fungi, where the fruiting body or basidiocarp is attached to the substrate on its underside, with the upper surface facing downwards. This inverted or upward orientation is in contrast to the typical outward projection of most mushrooms. Resupinate fungi can be found on a variety of substrates such as dead wood, soil, and decaying organic matter.
In botany, resupinate refers to flowers or inflorescences that turn from their original orientation during the development or maturation process. In this context, the flower may change position from facing upward to facing downward or vice versa, presenting a reversed or inverted appearance. Resupinate flowers are relatively common in orchids and are also observed in certain plant families, enabling various adaptive strategies for pollination.
When it comes to insects, resupinate is used to describe the position of their wings when in repose, with the upper surface facing downward or turned inward. This characteristic is seen in several taxa, including beetles, butterflies, and moth species.
Overall, resupinate describes a distinctive orientation or position, denoting the reversal, inversion, or inward-facing aspect of organisms, such as fungi, flowers, or insect wings, compared to their typical arrangement.
