W O R D   W I S E

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Definitions for terms used in this issue...

arthropods (See Butterfly Garden) Invertebrate animals of the phylum Arthropoda, including insects, crustaceans, arachnids, and myriapods characterized by a chitinous exoskeleton and a segmented body to which jointed appendages are articulated in pairs.

cultivar (See Tomatoes) An organism of a kind originating and persistent under cultivation.

echolocation (See BCI) A process for locating distant or invisible objects by means of sound waves reflected back to the emitter by the objects.

hybrid (See Tomatoes) The offspring of two similar animals or plants. Some hybrids occur naturally; some are deliberately engineered.

insectivorous (See BCI) Depending on insects as food.

microclimate (See Desert Oasis) The local climate of a small site or habitat. A microclimate might be as small as a shaded corner in a yard.

nectary (See Sacred Datura) A plant gland that secretes nectar.

ristra (See Holiday Recycling) From the Spanish word riestra for rope or cord. A string of foodstuffs such as chilies, onions, and garlic that have been threaded together for storage.

scarify (See Sacred Datura) To cut or soften the outer layer of a hard seed to hasten germination.

vivarium (See CNUW) A preserve or terrarium for small animals.


Maricopa County Master Gardener Volunteer Information
Last Updated January 25, 2003
Author: Lucy K. Bradley, Extension Agent Urban Horticulture, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County
© 1997 The University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cooperative Extension in Maricopa County
Comments to Maricopa-hort@ag.arizona.edu 4341 E. Broadway Road, Phoenix, AZ 85040,
Voice: (602) 470-8086 ext. 301, Fax (602) 470-8092