POLYCARPOUS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "polycarpous" is an adjective derived from the Greek words "poly" meaning "many" and "karpos" meaning "fruit." This botanical term is used to describe plants or trees that bear numerous fruits or have multiple fruits growing from a single flower or inflorescence. It refers to the ability of a plant to produce an abundance of fruits, often in clusters or bunches.
When applied to plants, the term "polycarpous" emphasizes their prolific fruiting capacity, indicating an extensive and fruitful reproductive system. This characteristic is particularly desirable in agricultural crops, where it signifies a high yield potential and productivity. Many fruit trees, such as apple, pear, or citrus trees, are considered polycarpous as they bear multiple fruits from a single flower cluster. Similarly, vines like grapes or berries are also known for their polycarpous nature.
The term can also be extended to smaller herbaceous plants with multiple seed pods or capsules, such as legumes, whose flowers give rise to clusters of individual pods. Polycarpous plants are often favored by horticulturists and growers due to their ability to provide an abundance of fruits or seeds, offering better chances of reproduction and survival for the species.
Overall, "polycarpous" serves as a botanical descriptor for plants and trees that exhibit a notable abundance of fruit-producing structures, emphasizing their remarkable fruiting capacity and reproductive success.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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In bot., having the carpels distinct and numerous, each flower bearing several fruit-applied to plants which flower and fruit many times in the course of their life.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for POLYCARPOUS
Etymology of POLYCARPOUS
The word "Polycarpous" is derived from the Greek words "polys" meaning "many" and "karpos" meaning "fruit". The term is used in botanical terminology to describe plants or trees that bear many fruits.
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