digitate etymology

Etymology:

"Digitate" originates from the Latin word "digitatus," which means "fingered" or "having fingers." It is derived from the Latin word "digitus," meaning "finger" or "toe."

Meaning:

In botany, "digitate" refers to a structure that is deeply divided into finger-like or radiating lobes or segments. These lobes or segments are typically arranged in a palm-like manner, resembling the fingers of a hand.

Origin:

The term "digitate" was first used in the 16th century to describe the shape of certain leaves. It was later adopted by botanists to describe various plant structures that exhibit a similar finger-like appearance, such as the petals of certain flowers or the leaflets of compound leaves.

Examples:

  • Leaves: The leaves of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis) are digitate, with deeply divided segments that resemble fingers.
  • Flowers: The flowers of the foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) have digitate petals, which are divided into two distinct lobes.
  • Roots: The roots of some orchid species, such as Orchis militaris, are digitate, with finger-like projections that help absorb nutrients.

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