nonfloral

Nonfloral is an adjective used to denote something that is not related to flowers. In botany and horticulture, nonfloral aspects concern vegetative tissues, structures, or processes that do not involve flowering or floral organs. The term can apply to plant parts such as roots, stems, leaves, tubers, and rhizomes, as well as to reproductive strategies that do not rely on flowers, such as those seen in many gymnosperms.

In botanical usage, distinguishing floral from nonfloral is useful for describing development, anatomy, and morphology. A nonfloral specimen or description would focus on vegetative features rather than petals, sepals, stamens, or carpels. Gymnosperms are often described as nonfloral because they reproduce with cones rather than flowers, although they still produce seeds and pollen.

In horticulture and garden design, nonfloral varieties or themes emphasize foliage, texture, form, and seasonal interest without reliance on blossoms. Examples include evergreen shrubs, ornamental grasses, and foliage-rich cultivars of herbaceous plants.

In perfumery and consumer products, nonfloral notes refer to scents that are not derived from flowers, including woody, green, herbal, spicy, citrus, or mineral accords. These notes are used to create contrasts with floral elements in fragrances and related products.

See also: floral, gymnosperm, angiosperm.