Decurrens
/deh-KUR-enz/🏷️ Taxonomy●●● Advanced
A morphological epithet describing leaves whose bases run down and are adnate to the stem below the point of attachment, forming a winged or ridged stem. This decurrent leaf base is a distinctive identification feature in several genera. From the present participle of the Latin verb meaning to run down.
Etymology
From Latin decurrens, present participle of decurrere, meaning "to run down," from de- (down) + currere (to run).
Example
“Verbascum thapsus (great mullein) has strongly decurrent leaves whose bases run far down the stem, creating a distinctive winged appearance, and Cirsium decurrens shares this same characteristic ridged stem.”