ACHENIUM Meaning and
Definition
-
Achenium refers to a small, dry, one-seeded fruit that does not split open at maturity. It is a specialized type of fruit commonly found in plants belonging to the daisy or sunflower family (Asteraceae), but it can also occur in other plant families. The term "achene" is often used interchangeably with "achenium."
Achenia are characterized by their single seed enclosed within a hard, indehiscent shell called a pericarp. The pericarp does not split or open to release the seed, which remains attached to the pericarp until it disperses. The seed is usually located within a chamber, referred to as the locule.
The achenium is typically lightweight and small, facilitating dispersal through various mechanisms such as wind, water, or animals. It often possesses adaptations like a pappus, a structure resembling hairs or bristles that facilitate wind dispersion. The presence of hooks or barbs on the pericarp can facilitate attachment to fur or clothing, aiding dispersal by animals.
Achenia support plant reproduction by protecting and dispersing seeds in diverse environments. They offer advantages over other types of fruit, including efficient production, reduced energy expenditure, and increased seed dispersal potential. Comprising an important component of many plant ecosystems, achenia play a vital role in the regeneration of plant populations and the maintenance of biodiversity.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ACHENIUM
- zchenium
- schenium
- wchenium
- qchenium
- axhenium
- avhenium
- afhenium
- adhenium
- acgenium
- acbenium
- acnenium
- acjenium
- acuenium
- acyenium
- achwnium
- achsnium
- achdnium
- achrnium
- ach4nium
- ach3nium
Etymology of ACHENIUM
The word "achenium" is derived from the Greek word "akhḗnion" (ἀχήνιον). "Akhḗnion" itself is a diminutive form of "akhḗnē" (ἀχήνη), meaning "barleycorn" or "small scale", which was used to describe a type of edible grain during ancient times. In the botanical context, "achenium" refers to a type of dry, one-seeded fruit found in many plants, such as dandelions and sunflowers.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
