Separate male and female flowers on same plantThe term used to describe a plant that has separate male and female flowers on the same plant.

A root storage organA type of storage organ, storing food for the plant, consisting of a modified root (thickened part of a rhizome), typically high in starch. E.g. Potato.

Life cycle of one yearDescribes a plant that germinates, grows, flowers, sets seed and then dies all in the course of one growing season. E.g. Marigold (Many bedding plants are annuals). See our list [..]

Fleshy seed coatThe fleshy coating to some seeds. E.g. the bright red aril of the Yew berry surrounds the seed.

A plant with a two year life cycleA plant that germinates, grows, flowers, sets seed and dies all in the space of two years. See our list of annual and biennial plants.

Modified leafA modified leaf. Often brightly coloured. e.g. Poinsettia. The distinctively coloured leaves at Christmas time are in fact bracts.

Akaline soil typeDescribes a soil or compost that has a high pH value (above 7 on the pH scale) Certain plants prefer calcareous soil or compost. e.g. Pulsatilla.

Flower part at base of petalsPart of the flower, at the base of the petals, often in a whorl arrangement of petal-like sepals.

Green leaf pigment responsible for photosynthesisThe green pigment in the leaf that absorbs the sunlight for use in photosynthesis.

A plant that produces naked seedsThe term conifer is used to describe a plant that produces naked seeds, usually on the scales of cones. Conifers are also usually evergreen trees or shrubs.