reticulare

Reticulare is a Latin-derived adjective used in biology to denote a net-like, reticulated pattern. In scientific descriptions it often appears as a descriptive epithet in taxonomic names and in morphological notes. The term derives from rete, Latin for net, and conveys the idea of a network of interconnecting lines or ridges.

In botany, reticulare commonly describes leaves with reticulate venation, where the veins form a network rather than parallel or simple opposite patterns. It may also apply to surfaces or tissues with a net-like sculpture, such as seed coats, fruit skins, or cuticle textures. In pollen and seed morphology, many grains and seeds are described as reticulare when their exine or coats show a lattice-like mesh.

In zoology and anatomy, reticulare appears in descriptions of tissues and organ structures that exhibit a porous or net-like arrangement. This can include connective tissues with reticular fibers forming a supporting mesh, or vascular networks described as reticular.

In taxonomy, reticulare is frequently used as a specific epithet or descriptive label to indicate a net-like appearance, and it is sometimes used to summarize a key character of a taxon. It is related to reticulate and reticulum, terms that describe networks, lattices, or mesh-like structures.

See also: reticulate, reticulum, reticular tissue, reticulation pattern.