Category: L
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Lenticels
Corky eruptions on bark that allow gas exchange.
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Lenticellate
With lenticels.
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Lens
(On seed) lateral depression or bulge, mainly in Leguminosae/Fabaceae, most evident in subfamily Papilionoideae, an area of weakness, sometimes partially open, where water initially penetrates the otherwise impenetrable testa. The transparent, double convex (outward curve on both sides) structure suspended between the aqueous and vitreous; helps to focus light on the retina. The transparent body…
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Lemma
The outermost of two bracts enclosing the grass flower.
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Legume
The fruit pod of the Leguminosae/Fabaceae, derived from a single carpel, usually (though with many exceptions) opening along a suture into two halves, usually dry; Colloquial term used by botanists for any member of the Leguminosae/Fabaceae. Considering that life is essentially a “gathering in” of things we need for survival, it’s not surprising that nearly…
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Legitimate
(In nomenclature) name or epithet that is validly published and in accordance with the I.C.B.N.
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Legit
From the Latin ‘legit’, ‘collected by’ (to be followed by name of collector).
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Lecto., lectotype
(In nomenclature) the type chosen by a later author when the protologue indicates no holotype; a lectotype must be chosen from among the specimens mentioned in the protologue.
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Least concern
IUCN Red List term for plants that are in no particular danger of extinction; for precise definition.
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Leaf sheath
Part of leaf stalk that envelops the stem and runs concurrently with it for some distance.