What does “deciduous” mean?
Deciduous is a term most often applied to plants. It refers to plants which lose all or subdivision of their foliage at certain times of the year. Most deciduous plants lose their leaves during cold temperatures in the winter. Some, however, shed their leaves during times of smaller quantity rainfall. A benefit to deciduous plants is that they are able to retain moisture during the winter or exceptionally dry seasons better because water does not escape through the leaves. Most deciduous plants flower during the period when they have lost their leaves. With the leaves gone, pollen can more easily circulate for pollination. Also, during leafless times, flowers are more exposed to pollinating insects. Evergreen is the converse of deciduous, and refers to those plants which retain their leaves year round. Deciduous also refers to biology. The term is used to describe animal’s antlers which are shed. Deciduous teeth, commonly call ‘baby teeth,’ fall out at an early age.
