Ligneuse

Ligneuse is the feminine form of the French adjective ligneux, meaning woody. In botany, it designates plant tissues, stems, or growth habit that are lignified or primarily composed of woody tissue. This contrasts with herbaceous plants, whose above‑ground parts do not develop true wood.

Ligneuse plants develop secondary growth driven by the vascular cambium, producing wood (xylem) and bark (phloem). The lignified tissue provides structural strength and durability, and many ligneuse species form annual or more visible growth rings in temperate climates. The term is commonly applied to trees, shrubs, and climbing plants that have a persistent, woody stem.

Usage and scope: the term is widely used in botany, horticulture, and forestry to describe growth form and material. It helps distinguish wood‑producing plants from herbaceous ones. In reference to material, expressions such as bois ligneux or matière ligneuse denote wood or woody substances used for timber, fiber, or composite products.

Etymology and nuance: ligneuse derives from ligne, wood, with the suffix -eux turning it into an adjective. While ligneux is often preferred in scientific contexts, ligneuse specifically aligns with feminine agreement in phrases describing a woody habit or tissue.

In summary, ligneuse characterizes plants with lignified, wood‑forming tissue and a woody growth form, a key distinction in anatomy, ecology, and the use of wood as a material.