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Glite Dictionary
extrafloral

extrafloral

1 8.4
Found on a plant outside the flowers, like nectar parts that attract ants
  • adjective
  • /ˌɛkstrəˈflɔrəl/
  • Specialized
: extrafloral
  • Some plants have extrafloral nectaries that attract ants for protection.
  • extrafloral nectaries

Examples

  • The presence of extrafloral structures can help plants defend against herbivores.

  • Plants with extrafloral nectaries produce nectar outside their flowers to attract helpful insects.

  • Researchers studied the extrafloral glands found on the stems of certain tropical species.

  • The extrafloral nectaries attract many pollinators.

  • These plants have extrafloral structures that serve a purpose.

  • The presence of extrafloral structures on the plant can provide additional resources for pollinators.

  • Some species have extrafloral nectaries that release sugar-rich liquid near their leaves to draw in beneficial ants.

Surface Forms

extrafloral positive

Morphology

extrafloral = floral (semi-transparent) = extra + floral

Formed by prefixing 'extra-' to 'floral' which directly indicates 'outside the flowers', but 'extra-' often means 'additional' in everyday use so learners may be uncertain.

Etymology

Extrafloral combines extra- meaning 'outside' and floral meaning 'flower'. So extrafloral describes parts of a plant 'outside the flowers', for example nectar glands on stems that are not in the flower and can help protect the plant.