gemma

nouncommon in dialogue

An asexual reproductive structure, as found in animals such as hydra (genus Hydra) and plants such as liverworts (division Marchantiophyta), consisting of a cluster of cells from which new individuals can develop; a bud.

noun

1
An asexual reproductive structure, as found in animals such as hydra (genus Hydra) and plants such as liverworts (division Marchantiophyta), consisting of a cluster of cells from which new individuals can develop; a bud.
I know of no other genera with such intramarginal formation of true gemmae.
Gemmae are frequently longer than wide or of irregular shape. According to Degenkolbe, gemmae-bearing leaves are always different in form from normal leaves.
In Marchantia polymorpha, high temperature promotes germination of gemmae (Dacknowski, 1907), and heat absorbed by the gemmae accelerates their germination (Fitting, 1942).

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Latin gemma (“bud on a plant”). Doublet of gem and Gemma.

Forms

plural: gemmas, gemmae

gem · A precious stone, usually of substantial monetary value or…Gem · A native or resident of the American state of Idaho.Gemini · A constellation of the zodiac traditionally taken to…

gemma · An asexual reproductive structure, as found in animals such as hydra (genus Hydra) and plants such as liverworts (division Marchantiophyta),…

Gemma · A female given name from Italian.gen · Information.Gen · A Niger-Congo language of Togo.

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