Persistence (botany)

Persistent strobilus of Equisetum arvense

Persistence is the retention of plant organs, such as flowers, seeds, or leaves, after their normal function has been completed, in contrast with the shedding of deciduous organs after their purpose has been fulfilled.[1] Absence or presence of persistent plant organs can be a helpful clue in plant identification, and may be one of many types of anatomical details noted in the species descriptions or dichotomous keys of plant identification guides.[2] Many species of woody plants with persistent fruit provide an important food source for birds and other wildlife in winter.[3]

The terms persistent and deciduous are not used in a consistent manner by botanists. Related terms such as long-persistent, generally deciduous, and caducous suggest that some plant parts are more persistent than others. However, these terms lack clear definitions.[4]

  1. ^ Hitchcock, C. Leo; Cronquist, Arthur (2018). Flora of the Pacific Northwest (2nd ed.). Seattle: University of Washington Press. p. xxxviii, xliii. ISBN 978-0-29574-288-5.
  2. ^ Saupe, Stephen. "Plant Identification (featuring Taxonomic Keys)". College of St. Benedict/St. John's University. Retrieved 2022-05-01.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Jauron 2000 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Harms 1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).