Decurrent

/dɪˈkɜrənt/ adjective

Definition

Running or flowing downward; extending downward in a spreading or gradual manner, especially in botany when leaf edges extend down the stem.

Etymology

From Latin 'decurrens' (running down), the present participle of 'decurrere'. Used in botanical terminology to describe leaf structure.

Kelly Says

In plants, a decurrent leaf literally runs down the stem like water—if you look at a leaf attached to a plant and the leaf edges extend down and merge with the stem, that's a decurrent leaf, and it's an adaptation to channel water down to the roots!

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