Astomatal

/eɪˈstɒmətəl/ adjective

Definition

In botany, describing a leaf or plant surface that lacks stomata, the tiny pores through which plants breathe and exchange gases.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (without) + 'stoma' (mouth/opening) + Latin '-al' (pertaining to). Created as botanical terminology to classify leaves by their gas-exchange features.

Kelly Says

Stomata are like tiny mouths on leaves that open and close—astomatal leaves are the silent types that don't have them, which is actually a survival trick for some desert plants.

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