"Stewart Robert Hinsley" wrote in message
...
In article , ned
writes
Stewart Robert Hinsley wrote:
In article , ned
writes
Is there a botanical expression or definition to distinguish
between,
perennials which die back each year, but regenerate from the old
rootstock,
and perennials which do not die back, eg cactus, succulents,
trees,
etc.?


Some old (19th century) material on the topic


http://www.malvaceae.info/Literature...B/Chap1-1.html

I think the term you're looking for is herbaceous perennial.


Thanks for that.
I found it interesting.
It says a lot that I'm in tune with the 19th century! ;-))


The terminology is still current - I wouldn't have pointed you at
the
page otherwise. The point which I wished Bentham to make for me was
that
the division of plants into these groups isn't cut and dried.

Yes, I appreciate that Nature offers a wide range of variation.
'Just thought that the 'splitters' might have come up with a twee
definition.
But I'm happy with the concept that while the leaves and stems of a
'herbaceous perennial' may die back seasonally, its rootstock can last
several years.
Cheers.

--
ned

http://www.bugsandweeds.co.uk
last update 29.09.2004