Antholysis

/ænˈθɒlɪsɪs/ noun

Definition

The decomposition or chemical breakdown of flower tissues or floral structures.

Etymology

From Greek 'anthos' (flower) + 'lysis' (loosening, dissolution, breaking down). The term applies the general scientific prefix for decomposition to flower materials.

Kelly Says

Antholysis explains why flowers wilt and fade—the cell structures literally break down at a chemical level, and understanding this process helped scientists develop better ways to preserve flowers for longer.

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