Cormophyte

/ˈkɔːrməˌfaɪt/ noun

Definition

A plant that has a distinctive body structure with roots, stems, and leaves; essentially a complex land plant as opposed to simple algae or moss.

Etymology

From corm (Greek 'kormos' for 'stem') plus -phyte (Greek for 'plant'), literally 'stem-plant.' Describes plants with the stem-like central organization.

Kelly Says

The term cormophyte was revolutionary because it recognized that plants with true stems fundamentally work differently—their internal plumbing and structural support make them capable of growing tall and dominating landscapes in ways mosses simply cannot.

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