areole - small usually rounded bumps on cacti. Clusters of spines grow from these structures.
They are a defining characteristic of cactus plants. (also from Wikipedia)
cacti - plural of cactus
callus - the protective tissue formed over a wound, for example, at the base of cuttings.
caudex - the swollen water-storage tissue, usually composed of both root and stem of a
succulent plant.
caudiciform - possessing a caudex, OR with a swollen stem.
central spine(s) - the spine(s) rising from the center of the areole, usually protruding and
distinct from an outer ring. They are longer and/or colored in most cacti.
corking - gradual ripening of stem from the base upward, producing a bark-like texture.
CSSA - Cactus and Succulent Society of America. National umbrella organization of which
LACSS is a local chapter.
cv. - cultivar. Used only occasionally now, not as often as in past years.
diurnal - flowers that open during the day.
dormant - plant is alive but not actively growing.
etiolate - (eh-tee-o-layt) to become pale and/or stretch out, altering the natural form of a green
plant by reducing or eliminating sunlight. Example: my succulent has become
etiolated stretching to reach more sunlight.
glochids - tiny but sharp spines that are painful/annoying when stuck in your skin. Defined by
Wikipedia as 'hair-like spines, generally barbed, found on the areoles of Opuntiod
cacti. Difficult to remove from skin or clothing because of the barbs.'
The HUNTINGTON - The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, a 501(c)(3)
non-profit, is a collections-based research and educational institution serving
scholars and the general public. Henry & Arabella Huntington drafted the trust
document in 1919 that would transform their private estate into an institution for
the "advancement of learning, the arts and sciences, and promote the public
welfare." Opened in 1928 in San Marino, just 12 miles from downtown Los
Angeles. At 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108 and huntington.org
inflorescence - the complete flower head of a plant including stems, stalks, bracts,
and flowers.
example: "My aloe sent up an inflorescence with orange/red flowers."
The Journal - the Journal of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America.
A regular publication by the CSSA.
LACSS - Los Angeles Cactus and Succulent Society
monotypic - only one species in a genus
nocturnal - flowers that open only at night.
offset - a side shoot, or lateral branch, usually at the base, that has a growing tip and can produce a new plant. Also called offshoot or pup.
overpotted - pot is too large for size of the plant.
POM - Plant of the Month. Competition at each LACSS meeting for a succulent and a cactus
as listed in the Cactus Chronicle newsletter and this website.
San Gabriel - usually refers to San Gabriel Valley Cactus and Succulent Society (SGVCSS),
another local affiliate of cactus and succulent enthusiasts.
sp. - species
spine - a modified leaf. Provides protection and moisture collection functions.
ssp. - subspecies
top dressing - extra usually tiny/small size pebbles, glass, pumice, or other type of material put
directly on top of soil or soil mixture of potted plants to enhance appearance. Also
can conserve moisture in soil and keep out weeds, etc.
underpotted - plant is too big for size of pot.
var. - variety
variegated - exhibiting different colors as irregular areas or streaks.
winter or summer growers - these genera actively grow only during the season indicated by
their description as either 'winter' or 'summer' growers. For a list
of genera in each category, click on Advice link at top of page.
x - cross. Indicates a hybrid plant.