squamule
9.9
A tiny flat part on the surface of plants like moss or lichen
- noun
- /ˈskwæm.juːl/
- Specialized
:
esquamula
- Under the microscope, we could see that the squamules on the plant's leaves were tiny and beautifully patterned.
Examples
-
The lichen had numerous squamules scattered across its surface, contributing to its rough texture.
-
Figure 16. Young squamule forming on rhizomorphs of Aspicilia crespiana Rico from the capture of compatible algal cells contacted within the substrate. Scale bar = 50 m.
Academic text (2001) -
Each squamule serves as a protective scale on the surface of the moss, helping it retain moisture.
Synonyms
9.9
A small hard piece on animals or plants that protects the body
is a very small scale form occurring especially on lichens
How Small
squamule
- Specialized
to flake
12
2.6
12
2.6
Surface Forms
Etymology
Squamule comes from the Latin word squama 'scale' plus a small ending -ule 'little'. So a squamule is a tiny 'scale' found on plants and lichens.