Asubshrub (Latinsuffrutex) orundershrub is either a smallshrub (e.g.prostrate shrubs) or aperennial that is largelyherbaceous but slightlywoody at the base (e.g.garden pink andflorist's chrysanthemum).[1] The term is often interchangeable with "bush".[2]
Because the criteria are matters of degree (normally of height) rather than of kind, the definition of a subshrub is not sharply distinguishable from that of a shrub; examples of reasons for describing plants as subshrubs include ground-hugging stems or low growth habit. Subshrubs may be largely herbaceous though still classified as woody, with overwintering perennial woody growth much lower-growing than deciduous summer growth. Some plants described as subshrubs are only weakly woody and some persist for only a few years. Others, such asOldenburgia paradoxa live indefinitely (though is still vulnerable to external effects), rooted in rocky cracks.
Small, low shrubs such aslavender,periwinkle, andthyme, and many shrub-like members of the familyEricaceae, such ascranberries and small species ofErica, are often classed as subshrubs.
Achamaephyte, subshrub ordwarf-shrub is a plant that bears hibernating buds on persistent shoots near the ground – usually woody plants withperennating buds borne close to the ground, usually less than 25 centimetres (9.8 in) above the soil surface. The significance of the closeness to the ground is that the buds remain within the soil surface layer and are thus somewhat protected from various adverse external influences. Accordingly, the chamaephytehabit is especially common in stressful environments, for example:
The term chamaephyte is most formally used within the context ofRaunkiær plant life-forms' classification. Examples of chamaephytes are many of the species living in themaquis shrubland and other plants ofsubmediterranean dry ecosystems (species such as thyme,Thymus vulgaris, and rosemary,Salvia rosmarinus); others include heather species (e.g.Calluna vulgaris andEricas), African wild olive (Olea europaea ssp.cuspidata) and edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum). Chamaephytes also includecushion plants.[7]
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