Epappose

/ɪˈpæpoʊs/ adjective

Definition

In botany, lacking a pappus (the feathery crown that allows seeds to be dispersed by wind).

Etymology

From epi- (upon/negation) + pappus (downy bristles) + -ose (possessing). Describes seeds without the signature fluffy dispersal mechanism.

Kelly Says

Dandelion seeds have the most famous pappus—that fluffy parachute—but epappose seeds don't. This completely changes how they spread and where a plant population can establish itself, making it a huge evolutionary difference.

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