Internode

The part of a plant stem which is located between two nodes.

  Krebs Cycle

The process of breaking down carbohydrates by respiration. It is a series of chemical reactions in plants, as well as animals. There are different pathways within the cycle, with at least three different segments, or branches, being recognized. It is also called the Citric Acid Cycle (CAC) and the Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle (TAC).

  Leaf

The main photosynthetic organ of a plant, with the gases being used and produced in this process, as well as that of respiration, using stomata as a means of entry and exit to and from the leaf. The internal features of a leaf will also contain two main transportation cells, the phloem and xylem. With organic material, for example carbohydrates, being produced by photosynthesis this needs to be transported to places where it can be utilised, and this is carried out by the phloem. The xylem helps transport water and nutrients for leaf growth, and also to help keep the plant and leaves cool

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  Leaf Mould

A product of decaying tree or shrub leaves. Well-rotted leaf mould is typically produced after about 2-years of decomposition and it is an ideal medium for use as a soil conditioner.

  Light Saturation Point

The point at which photosynthesis is at its optimum net productivity. Exceeding the light saturation point does not increase photosynthetic rate. Photorespiration will result from exceeding this point and will start to contribute to create a more stressed and less wear resistant plant.

  Ligule

A small growth, which is either membranous and whitish, or just a fringe of hairs. It is located at the inner junction of the leaf and sheath.

  Long-day Plant

A plant which has a requirement for longer period of light levels than darkness. These plants will flower more during the late spring and summer times.

  Meristem

A plant tissue located in zones of potential and actual plant growth. Meristematic cells are undifferentiated cells which are capable of continued cellular division, creating growth and elongation. There are three types of meristematic tissue: apical (root or stem); intercalary (leaf and stem junction in grasses), and lateral (cambium).

  Mesocotyl

Part of the embryo which is located between the coleoptile and the radicle. The mesocotyl will form a small stem to push the coleoptile through a soil to reach light. It might, however, only extend minimally depending on the depth of the germinating seed.

  Ovary

The basal part of a carpel in which one or more ovules are present.