cyme. A flattish or broad flower-cluster in which the innermost or terminal flowers open first.
decumbent. Said of branches or stems that lop or lie over on the ground.
decurrent. Said of a leaf that runs down on the stem, thereby not having a distinct petiole.
dehiscence. The mode of opening, as of a seed-pod or an anther.
deliquescent. Said of trees in which the leader or main trunk disappears at the tree top, forking into several or many main branches.
determinate. See [centrifugal].
dichogamy. The condition when stamens and pistils in the same flower mature at different times; this prevents or hinders self-pollination. See [proterandrous] and [proterogynous].
diclinous. Said of flowers that are imperfect,—lacking either stamens or pistils.
dicotyledon. Having two cotyledons or seed-leaves.
digestion. Change in the food materials whereby they may be transported, or used in assimilation. Starch is changed into sugar in the plant by a process of digestion.