Stipulaceous is a botanical term used to describe plants with stipules, which are small leaf-like structures typically found at the base of leaves. The word is spelled with a "t" after the "p" because of the combination of Latin roots "stipula" (meaning "stalk") and "aceous" (meaning "belonging to" or "resembling"). The IPA phonetic transcription for stipulaceous is /stɪpjuːˈleɪʃəs/. This complex term may be difficult to spell and pronounce, but it is important for accurately describing certain plant characteristics.
Stipulaceous is an adjective that pertains to stipules, which are small, leaf-like appendages found at the base of a leaf stalk in certain plants. Stipules are typically paired, and their shape, color, and size can vary depending on the plant species. These appendages can be narrow, lanceolate, triangular, or even spine-like. Stipulaceous describes the presence or characteristics of stipules on a plant.
The term stipulaceous is often used in botany to describe plants with stipules or to refer to the stipules themselves. It encompasses the various attributes and features of stipules, such as their shape, structure, and arrangement. For example, a plant that exhibits stipulaceous characteristics may have long, thin stipules that attach to the leaf stalk and extend parallel to the leaf blade.
Stipules serve multiple functions in plants, including protection from herbivores, protection of buds and fruits, and prevention of water loss. Their size and shape can vary greatly between different species and can be an important characteristic for plant identification.
Overall, stipulaceous is an adjective that describes the presence, characteristics, or arrangement of stipules in plants, providing a way to classify and describe these leaf-like structures.
Consisting of or resembling stipules; growing on stipules, or close to them.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "stipulaceous" comes from the Latin word "stipula" which means "straw" or "stalk". In botany, "stipulaceous" refers to having or resembling stipules, which are small leaf-like structures that can be found at the base of a leaf stalk in some plants.