Glossary of Succulent Terms

Leaf windows are translucent structures on the outside of leaves that allow sunlight to penetrate the leaf before reaching the chlorophyll that photosynthesizes the light into nutrition for the plant. They are a strategy to maximize photosynthesis while protecting the plant from the sun.

Leggy is a common term used to describe a plant that has grown tall and stretched as it seeks more sunlight. The technical term is etiolated. May also be used to refer to Graptopetalum hybrids or Aeonium where mature plant has developed a long stem with the rosette at the very tip.