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Deciduous

/deh-SID-yoo-us/
🌱 Growth Habits Basic

Describes plants that lose all their leaves seasonally, typically in autumn for temperate species. The leaf drop is triggered by changes in photoperiod and temperature, allowing the plant to conserve water during winter dormancy.

Etymology

From Latin deciduus, meaning "falling off," from decidere (to fall off).

Example

Maples are deciduous trees famous for their spectacular fall foliage display.