xviii 
BOTANICAL TERMS AND DEFINITIONS. 
Alternate, {Altema) applied to leaves, when they stand singly 
on the stem or branches, alternately first on one side, 
then on the other ; to branches when placed round the 
stem alternately one above the other; to flowers placed 
in regular succession one above another. 
AmeNT, (Amentum) a species of inflorescence as well as a calyx, 
(also called a catkin) consisting of a common receptacle, of 
a cylindrical form, beset with chaflfy scales, arranged along 
a slender thread -hke stalk, each of which is accompanied 
by one or more stamens or pistils, altogether forming an 
aggregate flower. 
Amplexicaul, (Jwjj?Zej;jcaM/itf) stem clasping ; when the base of 
a leaf surrounds the stem, but not perfectly so. 
Anceps, vide Two-edged. 
ANGUJiAR, (Angulatiis) having angles; applied to leaves when the 
number of angles are not specified. 
Annual, (Annua) perishing within the year. 
Anomalous, (Anomalus) corollas, (not being papilionaceous) are 
so called when formed of different sized petals. 
Anther, (Anthera) that part of the flower containing the fertilizing 
dnst, which, when mature, it scatters ; situated at the top 
of the stamen, the anther is always present, and forms the 
essential part of the stamen. 
AppENDAGED, (Appendiculatus) applied to flowers, furnished with 
some addition distinct from the tube ; to petioles with 
leafy films at the base; to seeds furnished with hooks, 
scales, &c. 
Appen PAGES, applied to additional organs of plants, which are 
not universal or essential, neither is any one plant fur- 
nished with them all; botanists distinguish seven kinds 
of appendages, viz. stipules, floral leaves, thorns, prick les, 
tendrils, glands, and hairs. 
APPRESSED, (Adpressa) applied to leaves pressed close to the 
stem ; also to peduncles. 
Arboreous, (Arboreus) perennial, with a simple stalk. 
Aril, (Arillus) the aril or tunic, is either a complete or partial 
covering of a seed, fixed to its base oply, and more or less 
loosely or closely enveloping its other parts. 
Arista, vide Awn. 
Arrow-shaped, (Sagittatum) triangular shaped leaves, hollowed 
out very much at the base, sometimes the posterior angles 
are cut ofl^. 
