Fibrous Root

A fine root, which branches widely throughout a soil to form a dense network. This is ideal for binding a root zone and reducing soil erosion and maintaining soil stability. Grass roots are fibrous roots. The adventitious roots which develop from nodes are also fibrous roots.

  Filament [2]

A thin stalk of the stamen, to which is attached the anther.

  Fine Root

A classification of root which has a diameter of less than 2mm. Examples of these are most grass roots.

  Fineness of Leaf

A characteristic which is used to evaluate the relative width of grass leaves for a turfgrass cultivar. The main species evaluated for this characteristic are browntop and creeping bent, perennial ryegrass and smooth stalked meadow grass. Whilst there are differences in leaf fineness, the absolute difference in millimetres is very small within the different species.

  Floret

The combined unit of lemma, palea and flower.

  Flower arrangements

Flowers can be arranged on a flowering stalk in a number of ways. These can be either as a single flower such as represented by a Daffodil, or as a group of flowers, called an inflorescence. An inflorescence can be presented in several ways: Corymb - e.g. Brassica family. Cyme - e.g. Common chickweed. Panicle - e.g. Annual meadow grass. Raceme - e.g. Foxglove. Spike - e.g. Couch grass. Umbel - e.g. Carrot family.

  Flower Structure

The flower of a plant consists of a range of different features, which considered together will help to accurately identify a particular plant species.

  Germination

The point at which a dormant seed absorbs water and starts off the gradual process of growth. Plants needs water to help start seed germination, as well as a suitable temperature and air. Light might be a requirement for some, although dark conditions may also be suitable. Once germination has taken place then light is essential for the plant to grow and develop.

  Glume

A pair of bracts, which might be smaller or larger than the adjoining Lemma, at the base of a grass spikelet.

  Growth Rate

The rate of leaf growth, typically measured as leaf height, which occurs during a defined period of time, for example 3mm per day. Growth rate will vary according to the grass species, environmental conditions and also the time of year.