Australian Biological Resources Study
Fern definitions mostly compiled by Mary D.Tindale
(definitions of conifer terms provided by K.D.Hill)
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haploid: with one set of chromosomes in the nucleus. cf. diploid, polyploid.
hastate: spear-shaped; of a leaf blade, narrow and pointed but with two basal lobes spreading approximately at right angles.
helicoid: branching repeatedly on the same side. In Adiantum, applied to anadromous fronds in which basal basiscopic pinnae are well-developed (i.e. pinnate), but corresponding acroscopic pinnae are reduced to simple pinnules. The stipe thus appears to branch dichotomously into two helically curved rachises, with pinnate pinnae apparently arising from their upper sides.
hemisaprophyte: a plant which obtains its nutriment partly from dead organic matter and partly from photosynthesis.
herbaceous: soft in texture; midway in thickness between membranous and coriaceous, usually applied to the lamina.
heteroblastic: with two or more distinct kinds of shoot. cf. homoblastic.
heterophyllous: having leaves that are not uniform along a branch, e.g. in Huperzia, with long leaves in the lower portions and smaller reduced leaves distally. cf. homophyllous.
heterosporous: producing two kinds of spores (male and female, or microspores and megaspores). cf. homosporous.
hirsute: bearing coarse rough relatively long hairs. cf. villous.
hispid: clothed with short stiff hairs or bristles.
holosaprophyte: a plant which obtains its nutriment entirely from dead organic matter.
homoblastic: with one kind of shoot. cf. heteroblastic.
homophyllous: with all leaves uniform along a branch. cf. heterophyllous.
homosporous: producing only one type of spore from which develops a gametophyte producing both male and female gametes. cf. heterosporous.
hyaline: translucent, almost like clear glass.
hydathode: water- or mineral-excreting pores at the ends of some veins, e.g. in Grammitidaceae and some Davalliaceae.
hypostomatic: bearing stomata on one leaf surface only, usually the lower or abaxial surface. cf. amphistomatic.