Acrocarpous

/ˌækroʊˈkɑrpəs/ adjective

Definition

In botany, describing mosses that produce their fruit capsules at the apex or tip of the main stem.

Etymology

From Greek akron 'peak, apex' + karpos 'fruit.' The adjective form describes the growth and fruiting pattern of certain moss species.

Kelly Says

Moss taxonomy relies on where fruit appears—acrocarpous mosses are the 'top-fruiters,' evolved to catch wind dispersal of spores from the highest point.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.