decíduous

Deciduous refers to plants, primarily trees and shrubs, that shed their leaves seasonally, typically in autumn in temperate climates. This shedding is a survival mechanism to conserve water and prevent damage from frost during colder months. The term originates from the Latin word "decidere," meaning "to fall off."

Before leaves fall, deciduous plants often display a vibrant array of colors, including reds, oranges, and yellows. This color change occurs as chlorophyll, the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis, breaks down, revealing other pigments like carotenoids and anthocyanins that were present all along. Once the chlorophyll is gone, the plant forms a special layer of cells at the base of the leaf stalk, causing the leaf to detach and fall.

In spring, new leaves emerge, allowing the plant to resume photosynthesis and grow. This annual cycle of leaf loss and regrowth is a defining characteristic of deciduous flora. While most common in temperate regions, some deciduous plants are also found in tropical and subtropical areas, where shedding may be triggered by dry seasons rather than cold. Examples of common deciduous trees include oak, maple, birch, and ash. Coniferous trees, which retain their needle-like leaves year-round, are known as evergreen.