nodulose

Nodulose refers to a characteristic found in various biological and geological contexts, describing something that is covered in or composed of nodules. Nodules are small, rounded masses or lumps. In botany, nodulose leaves or stems might have small, knot-like swellings along their surface. This can be a distinguishing feature for plant identification. The term can also apply to the presence of root nodules, which are specialized structures on the roots of legumes and some other plants. These nodules house nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which are crucial for the plant's ability to utilize atmospheric nitrogen. In geology, nodulose formations might describe rocks or minerals that have a lumpy or nodular appearance due to the presence of these rounded masses. For example, certain types of chert or phosphorite can exhibit a nodulose texture. The term simply indicates the presence of these distinct, lump-like structures, regardless of the specific material or organism.