Falling off early or prematurely; temporary and easily shed, especially used in botany for petals or leaves that drop quickly.
From Latin caducus (falling, perishable), related to cadere (to fall). The word entered English botanical terminology in the 17th century.
Caducous flowers are nature's quick-change artists—cherry blossoms are caducous, which is why they create those magical pink snowstorms for only a few days before dropping completely.
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