Etymology

Etymology [ Linguistic ]

Dictionary of botanic terminology - index of names


	The etymology of a word refers to its origin and the historical roots of the term as a linguistic form. Etymology, in general, is the study of the origins and history of words. The roots of words.

The word etymology is derived from the Greek "etumos" which means real or true. The ending "ology" suggests the study/science of something, as in biology or geology.

For example: the Ancient Greek word “astron” means “star”. And “phyton” means “plant”. Hence Astrophytum literally means star plant.

See:
Etymology of names of cactus and succulent GENUS ( included: synonyms)
Etymology of names of cactus and succulents SPECIES ( included: subspecies, variety and forms)

Advertising

Holdfast roots [ Botany ]
Dictionary of botanic terminology - index of names

Some species of climbing plants develop holdfast roots which help to support the vines on trees, walls, and rocks. By forcing their way into minute pores and crevices, they hold the plant firmly in place.

Climbing plants, like the poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), and trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans), develop holdfast roots which help to support the vines on trees, walls, and rocks. By forcing their way into minute pores and crevices, they hold the plant firmly in place. Usually the Holdfast roots die at the end of the first season, but in some species they are perennial. In the tropics some of the large climbing plants have hold-fast roots by which they attach themselves, and long, cord-like roots that extend downward through the air and may lengthen and branch for several years until they strike the soil and become absorbent roots.

Major references and further lectures:
1) E. N. Transeau “General Botany” Discovery Publishing House, 1994