fasciulus

Fasciulus is a term used in botany and zoology to describe a small bundle or fascicle. In botany, it refers to a cluster of leaves or flowers that grow from a single point on a stem. A classic example is the pine tree, where needles are arranged in fascicles of two, three, or five. This arrangement can be an important characteristic for identifying different pine species. Similarly, some flowers, like those of the gladiolus, emerge in a fascicle.

In zoology, the term fasciulus can also denote a small bundle, though it is less commonly used than in botanical contexts. It might be applied to describe small groups of muscle fibers or nerve fibers. The precise application of the term in zoology can vary depending on the specific field of study and the organism being described. Essentially, fasciulus signifies a compact grouping of similar structures, whether they be plant organs or biological tissues. The size and composition of these fascicles are often significant for the function and classification of the organism or its parts.