gemma

Definition

An asexual reproductive structure, as found in animals such as hydra (genus Hydra) and plants such as liverworts (division Marchantiophyta), consisting of a cluster of cells from which new individuals can develop; a bud.

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Latin gemma (“bud on a plant”). Doublet of gem and Gemma.

Example Sentences

• "I know of no other genera with such intramarginal formation of true gemmae."
• "Gemmae are frequently longer than wide or of irregular shape. According to Degenkolbe, gemmae-bearing leaves are always different in form from normal leaves."
• "In Marchantia polymorpha, high temperature promotes germination of gemmae (Dacknowski, 1907), and heat absorbed by the gemmae accelerates their germination (Fitting, 1942)."