Marcescence is the retention of dead plant organs that normally are shed. Trees transfer water and sap from the roots to the leaves through their vascular cells, but in some trees as autumn begins, the ...

What causes marcescence?

Winter marcescence is caused by the lack of enzymes produced by the tree. These enzymes are responsible for producing an abscission layer at the base of the leaf stem. ... Without this, it is likely that the leaves will “hang on” throughout even the coldest periods of winter.

What do you mean by deciduous?

1 biology : falling off or shed seasonally or at a certain stage of development in the life cycle deciduous leaves deciduous scales. 2 biology. a : having deciduous parts maples, birches, and other deciduous trees deciduous dentition. b : having the dominant plants deciduous a deciduous forest.