abscission layer

American  

noun

Botany.

1. the layer of specialized, cutinized parenchyma cells that develops in the abscission zone, the disintegration of which causes abscission.

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abscission layer British  

noun

1. a layer of parenchyma cells that is formed at the bases of fruits, flowers, and leaves before abscission. As the parenchyma disintegrates, the organ becomes separated from the plant

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Etymology

Origin of abscission layer

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

The tree produces less of a chemical called auxin, and that drop in auxin contributes to a weakening of tissue at the leaf stem’s base, creating what’s known as an abscission layer.

From Slate

When days shorten, the leaves begin to accumulate more of this chemical during the night, stimulating the formation of an abscission layer.

From Washington Times