Adventitious

Describes roots or shoots or other parts that grow in an uncharacteristic place on a plant (such as roots growing from leaves).

From the BioTech Dictionary at http://biotech.icmb.utexas.edu/. For further information see the BioTech homenode.

Ad`ven*ti"tious (#), a. [L. adventitius.]

1.

Added extrinsically; not essentially inherent; accidental or causal; additional; supervenient; foreign.

To things of great dimensions, if we annex an adventitious idea of terror, they become without comparison greater. Burke.

2. Nat. Hist.

Out of the proper or usual place; as, adventitious buds or roots.

3. Bot.

Accidentally or sparingly spontaneous in a country or district; not fully naturalized; adventive; -- applied to foreign plants.

4. Med.

Acquired, as diseases; accidental.

-- Ad`ven*ti"tious*ly, adv. -- Ad`ven*ti"tious*ness, n.

© Webster 1913.