Gemmula

/ˈdʒɛmjələ/ noun

Definition

A small gem or a small gemma (a bud-like reproductive structure in plants).

Etymology

From Latin gemma (gem, bud) plus the diminutive suffix -ula (little). This botanical and mineralogical term emphasizes smallness and delicacy.

Kelly Says

In botany, gemmulas are tiny asexual reproductive buds that some plants use to clone themselves—it's like nature's backup plan for making babies without sex! Bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) use them constantly, creating a strategy so efficient that some species haven't evolved sex in millions of years.

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