Arranged in or having two distinct rows, especially of leaves on opposite sides of a stem.
From Greek dis- (two) + stichon (row) + -ous (adjective suffix). Borrowed directly from Greek botanical terminology to describe bilateral symmetry in plant arrangement.
Many common plants are distichous—ferns and certain vines display this two-sided arrangement as an elegant solution to get maximum sunlight without shading themselves.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.