Caducous meaning

Caducous means fleeting or transitory, often used to describe a plant part that falls off quickly after blooming.


Caducous definitions

Word backwards suocudac
Part of speech adjective
Syllabic division ca-du-cous
Plural The plural form of "caducous" is "caducous." The word does not change when referring to more than one.
Total letters 8
Vogais (3) a,u,o
Consonants (3) c,d,s

When it comes to plant biology, the term caducous refers to a type of plant part that is shed or falls off at a specific stage of growth. This characteristic is commonly seen in certain types of leaves, flowers, or fruit. The process of shedding these plant parts is a natural occurrence and is essential for the plant's overall growth and development.

Caducous leaves are those that are shed before the usual end of the growing season. This shedding typically occurs as a response to changes in environmental conditions such as temperature, light, or moisture levels. By shedding leaves that are no longer needed, the plant can conserve resources and redirect energy towards other essential functions such as root growth or seed production.

Types of Caducous Parts

Aside from leaves, other plant parts can also exhibit caducous characteristics. For example, some flowers may drop their petals once they have been pollinated or fertilized. This process helps the plant focus on developing its fruits or seeds rather than maintaining the flower structure. Similarly, certain types of fruit may fall off the plant once they have ripened to disperse the seeds and ensure the plant's survival.

Importance of Caducous Parts

The shedding of caducous parts plays a crucial role in the life cycle of plants. By getting rid of unnecessary or old plant parts, the plant can conserve energy and resources for essential functions. Additionally, the shedding of leaves, flowers, or fruit can help in the dispersal of seeds, ensuring the plant's reproduction and genetic diversity. Overall, the presence of caducous parts is a vital adaptation that allows plants to thrive in their respective environments.

Caducous characteristics can be observed in a wide variety of plant species, each with its unique shedding patterns and timings. Understanding the significance of these caducous parts can provide valuable insights into the growth and development of plants in different ecosystems. Whether it's shedding leaves to conserve energy or dropping fruit to disperse seeds, the caducous nature of plants is a fascinating aspect of their biology.


Caducous Examples

  1. The caducous petals fell off the flower after it bloomed.
  2. The deciduous trees shed their caducous leaves in the fall.
  3. The fruit had a caducous stem that easily broke off when picked.
  4. The butterfly had caducous wings that were fragile and easily damaged.
  5. The caducous shell of the crab was left behind as it molted.
  6. The plant had caducous thorns that fell off with the slightest touch.
  7. The caducous nature of the relationship led to a quick breakup.
  8. The lizard's tail was caducous and easily detached when threatened.
  9. The caducous memories of childhood faded over time.
  10. The caducous snow melted as the sun rose higher in the sky.


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  • Updated 24/03/2024 - 08:34:23