Efoliose

/iːˈfoʊliəʊs/ adjective

Definition

In botany, describing plants that naturally shed or lack foliage, or that have lost their leaves during adaptation to harsh environments.

Etymology

From Latin e- (without) + foliose (leafy, having foliage). Combines Latin prefix meaning 'without' with the adjective form of folium (leaf).

Kelly Says

Desert plants like ocotillo are efoliose most of the year, saving water by dropping leaves entirely until rare rains arrive—it's nature's way of turning off the water spigot.

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