Logo Dictionary of Botany
header1 header2
Main Menu
Home
entries
Search
Popular
Home arrow entries arrow E arrow essential oil

essential oil

(ethereal oil) Any of the volatile oils secreted by aromatic plants that give them their characteristic taste or odour. Most essential oils are *terpenoids, while some are derivatives of benzene. Many xerophytic plants produce essential oils as a means of reducing their transpiration rates. In hot conditions the evaporating oils contribute to the density of the *boundary layer at the leaf surface. The higher the density of the boundary layer, the greater resistance it offers to diffusion of water vapour. Some essential oils repel insects while others, e.g. those of Myoporum deserti, are toxic to grazing animals. Many allelopathic substances are essential oils.

 
< Prev   Next >
Alphabetical Listing

A B C D E
F G H I J
K L M N O
P Q R S T
U  V  W  X  Y
Z
footer1 footer2
send feedback