Category: D

  • Dorsiventrally

    Of a solid structure, with a distinct division into lower/abaxial and upper/adaxial surfaces.  

  • Dorsiventral

    With two surfaces, upper (dorsal) and lower (ventral).  

  • Dorsifixed

    Of anthers, when the connective is attached between the base and apex of the filament.  

  • Dorsal

    Literally ‘regarding the back’; Upper in regard to the lamina surface; = adaxial, which is preferred; In Orchidaceae, the dorsal sepal is the upper one (in non-resupinate flowers). The back surface of the body and also the top part of the foot (the instep). Pertaining to or situated on the back. The back side, referring…

  • Dormant

    Sleeping, not active, awaiting a stimulus to fulfil a function. Inactive for a time. In a state of non-growth, usually leafless or with leaves and stems having died back to the ground and the plant surviving as underground storage organs, thus evading winter cold or a dry season, (of seeds) In a state adapted to…

  • Dominant

    Dominant

    The most common and/or prominent plant species in a site or vegetation type. The most common or prominent plant in a vegetation type or region. A gene that expresses itself to the exclusion of the expression of its allele. Important or powerful. In genetic inheritance, a gene that produces its effect regardless of the information…

  • Domatium (plural domatia)

    Domatium (plural domatia)

    Small cavities, usually in the lowersurface axils of the leaf veins but sometimes on stem or root, that are often linked to the presence of ants or mites. A small cavity in the axils of leaf veins or on stems, shoots or roots that is linked to harbouring arthopods, such as ants or mites.  

  • Dolichostylous

    (In heterostylous flowers) long-styled.  

  • Dolabriform

    Hatchet-shaped; like an axe, with a narrow cylindrical base and an abruptly widened head, bigger on one side of the head. (Payne (1978) describes it as “like the head of a pick, with two divaricate or opposed terminal branches”, which implies equal and narrow arms).  

  • Dolabrate

    Like an axe-head; the more usual term is dolabriform.