Curvifoliate

/ˌkɜːrvɪˈfoʊlieɪt/ adjective

Definition

Having leaves that are curved or bent in shape, rather than straight or flat.

Etymology

From Latin 'curvus' (curved) combined with 'folium' (leaf). The term emerged in botanical Latin during the 18th century to describe plants with distinctively curved foliage.

Kelly Says

Botanists use this term to distinguish plant species at a glance—a curved leaf might help a plant shed water or reduce sun damage, so the shape tells you something about where that plant lives.

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