Glossary of terms used on this site

All

Sap

Sap is a liquid that circulates within the sapwood of woody plants. Sap rises up from the roots. Sap contains water, minerals and at times- sugars. Sap stimulates the growth of the plant.

Shade break

Means not being exposed to direct sun all day. There needs to be a break in the direct sun light-- which can be provided by a structure, another taller plant/tree or building. Most commonly we refer to "afternoon shade break" because this is the most intense sun exposure all day and some sensitive plants may get burned leaves or sun scorch if left in full bright sun all day including afternoon sun. Brightest exposures tend to fall on the western and/or southern exposures.

Spike

A Spike is a flower stalk that occurs a decent distance above the masses of foliage.

Spine

A Spine is a sharp, modified leaf, scale, or stipule. Cacti have spines.

Standard

A standard is a small, ornamental tree that typically does not grow higher than 12 feet. Many bushes can be formed into standards such as: Hibiscus, Gardenia, Jatropha and Duranta.

Succulent

A succulent is a plant that has fleshy and juicy tissues, like cacti, sedums, aloes and echeverias. They have a modified metabolism that allows them to thrive in dry conditions.

Sucker Root

A sucker root is a root that emerges from the ground and sends up a shoot which supports the plant.

Tap Root

The tap root is the main root or some plants; the tap root extends straight down under the plant with very little side branches (compared to fibrous root).

Teeth

Teeth are the jagged edges on some leaves, like those of some agaves.

Thorn

A thorn is a sharp, modified stem. Thorns have a stem-like vascular structure. Roses and Crown-of-thorns have thorns.

U.S.D.A Hardiness Zones

Plants are adapted to regions of the state designated by hardiness zones. Hardiness zones take into account the maximum cold plants can take and the minimum cold (for required dormancy) plants need. Humidity, rain fall and soil pH also need to be considered. Palm Beach county and the majority of Broward county are considered Zone 10a. For a zone map of the Southeast please refer to: http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/hzm-se1.html

Vector

Agent that transmits inoculum (pathogen or disease) and is capable of disseminating (spreading) disease.

Venation

Venation is the arrangement of veins in a leaf.

Vine

A vine is a plant that needs support as it grows. Some vines grow by twining around other objects for support (e.g. confederate jasmine), some use tendrils- which are modified shoots to attach to objects (e.g. passiflora) and others send out aerial roots, often with suckers (e.g. poison ivy).