OCHREAE Meaning and
Definition
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Ochreae, also spelled "ochra," is a botanical term referring to a type of plant structure found mainly in herbaceous plants, particularly in the Polygonaceae family. It specifically denotes a membranous sheath or tubular structure that envelops the base of the petiole of a leaf where it emerges from the stem or branch of a plant.
The ochreae function as protective coverings for the young buds and emerging leaf blades. They are typically papery or membranous in texture and can be translucent or opaque. Ochreae are commonly formed by the fusion of stipules, specialized leaf-like structures that serve various purposes such as leaf protection, support, and storage.
The main purpose of ochreae is to shield and shelter the tender parts of a developing leaf while it is still in its early stages. As the leaf matures and fully expands, the ochreae may gradually degrade and eventually disintegrate. In some plant species, however, the ochreae may persist beyond leaf development, acting as a persistent feature on the stem or branch.
Ochreae are often attributed to plants that belong to the Buckwheat family (Polygonaceae), which includes familiar plants like rhubarb, sorrel, and knotweed. This distinctive structure can provide key identification characteristics in botany, aiding in the taxonomic categorization and differentiation of plant species.
Common Misspellings for OCHREAE
- ocherea
- ochrea
- ichreae
- kchreae
- lchreae
- pchreae
- 0chreae
- 9chreae
- oxhreae
- ovhreae
- ofhreae
- odhreae
- ocgreae
- ocbreae
- ocnreae
- ocjreae
- ocureae
- ocyreae
- ocheeae
- ochdeae
Etymology of OCHREAE
The word "ochreae" is derived from the Latin word "ocrea", which means a greave or a legging. The Latin word, in turn, can be traced back to the Ancient Greek word "okhrea", which also referred to a legging or a cover for the lower leg. The term eventually made its way into English, specifically in the field of botany, to describe a membranous or scarious sheath or stipule that wraps around the stem of certain plants.
Similar spelling words for OCHREAE
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