Vernation

[In sense 1 ad. mod.L. vernātiō (Linnæus), f. L. vernāre: see VERNANT a. (So F. vernation.) In sense 2 directly f. L. vernāt-, ppl. stem of vernāre.]

  1.  Bot. The arrangement or formation of the leaves of plants or fronds of ferns in the bud; the manner in which the rudimentary or unexpanded leaves are disposed; prefoliation.

1793.  Martyn, Lang. Bot., Foliatio, foliation, vernation, or leafing.

1829.  Lindley, Syn. Brit. Flora, 88. Prunus, vernation convolute. Ibid., Cerasus, vernation conduplicate. Ibid. (1830), Nat. Syst. Bot., 157. The vernation of both the calyx and petals.

1857.  P. H. Gosse, Omphalos, 131. The green and leafy arches were once coiled up in a circinate vernation.

1882.  Vines, Sachs’ Bot., 428. The leaves of Ferns are usually characterised by a circinate vernation.

  2.  Vegetable growth or development, as characteristic of the spring. rare or Obs.

1827.  Steuart, Planter’s G. (1828), 320. The season of vernation erelong will come on, the leaves will be enlarged, and assume a far deeper and more lively green.

1867.  A. L. Adams, Wand. Nat. India, 68. From the earliest appearance of Vernation in March up to the end of May.