Acrocarpous is a term that is commonly used in the field of botany. It refers to a type of moss that grows in a compact, upright manner, with the spore-bearing capsule located at the tip of the stem. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of acrocarpous, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Acrocarpous is a type of moss that grows in an upright manner, with the spore-bearing capsule located at the tip of the stem. This is in contrast to pleurocarpous moss, which grows in a spreading manner, with the spore-bearing capsule located along the stem.
Origin
The term acrocarpous comes from the Greek words “akros,” meaning “topmost,” and “karpos,” meaning “fruit.” It was first used in the mid-19th century to describe a specific type of moss.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, acrocarpous is defined as “having the fruiting body at the apex of the stem.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “pertaining to mosses in which the capsule is borne at the end of an erect stem.”
Associations
Acrocarpous mosses are typically found in drier habitats, such as rock outcrops and sandy soils. They tend to form dense mats or cushions, which can provide habitat for other small plants and animals.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for acrocarpous, including erect moss, top fruiting moss, and upright moss.
Antonyms
The antonym of acrocarpous is pleurocarpous, which refers to mosses that grow in a spreading manner, with the spore-bearing capsule located along the stem.
The same root words
The root words “akros” and “karpos” are also found in other botanical terms, such as acropetal (referring to the direction of growth from base to tip) and carpopodium (referring to the stalk that supports the fruit in certain plants).
Example Sentences
- The acrocarpous mosses in this area form dense mats that provide habitat for a variety of small plants and animals.
- The spore-bearing capsule of the acrocarpous moss is located at the tip of the stem.
- The difference between acrocarpous and pleurocarpous moss is the location of the spore-bearing capsule along the stem.