Fronds
Fronds
Fronds (/frɒndz/) are a type of large, divided leaf characteristic of ferns and some other vascular plants. The term is also used in botany to describe similar structures in certain algae and fungi.
Etymology
The word "frond" comes from the Latin frons which originally meant "brow" but was also used for "leafy crown, foliage". The term was adopted in English in the 18th century to describe the large, divided leaves of ferns.
Description
Fronds are typically large and divided into smaller leaflets, giving them a feathery appearance. They are a key characteristic of ferns, but can also be found in other vascular plants such as palms and cycads. In these plants, fronds carry out photosynthesis, contributing to the plant's energy production.
In the context of algae and fungi, a frond refers to a thallus or body that is flattened and often divided, but not differentiated into stem and leaf.
Related Terms
- Fern: A type of plant that typically possesses fronds.
- Vascular plant: A type of plant with specialized tissue for transporting water and nutrients, often possessing fronds.
- Thallus: The body of an algae, fungus, or lichen, which can sometimes be described as a frond.
- Photosynthesis: The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the aid of chlorophyll pigments.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fronds
- Wikipedia's article - Fronds
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