Amplexicaulis
/am-plek-sih-KAW-lis/🏷️ Taxonomy●●● Advanced
Also known as: amplexicaule
A morphological epithet describing leaves whose bases clasp or wrap partly or fully around the stem at the point of attachment, as if embracing it. Stem-clasping leaves are a useful identification feature in many genera. Appears as amplexicaulis (both genders).
Etymology
From Latin amplexus (an embrace) + caulis (stem), meaning "embracing the stem," from amplecti (to embrace).
Example
“Polygonum amplexicaule and Silene amplexicaulis both have the characteristic ear-like leaf lobes that clasp either side of the stem, giving the plant an unusual, closely embracing attachment.”