Farinaceous (syn. farinose)
If a plant is farinaceous, it sports a white, flour-like bloom on the surfaces of its leaves (and sometimes fruit and other plant parts). This white coating is epicuticular wax (occasionally referred to as farina) found on the outer surfaces of plant cuticles. Why do plants need to be waxed, you may ask? Well…let me tell you. The wax helps to repel water and soil particles, which prevents nasty things like bacteria and moulds from attacking the plant. It also limits the amount of water lost by the plant through transpiration, which is valuable if the plant is stuck in a drought situation.
If you’ve ever grown cabbages, you’ve likely noticed epicuticular wax on them. You’ve undoubtedly spotted it on some apple fruit. And if you delight in succulent gardening, you’re definitely aware of the fact that these adorable and addictively collectible plants are farinaceous.
Just to be a tad more confusing, the leaves (or other plant parts) of a farinaceous plant that have a coating of epicuticular wax are described as being glaucous. So, that’s pretty much three botany words of the month in one post – bonus! 😉
One genus of farinaceous plants is Chenopodium, which counts lamb’s quarters (C. album) as its most notable (notorious?) member. Many years ago, I grew magentaspreen (C. giganteum) – you can see evidence of the epicuticular wax on the leaves.
Further reading: The Botanist in the Kitchen, The Most Interesting Layer of Wax in the World.
Flowery Prose 
I love your botany words.
I’m so glad you enjoy these posts! I have a ton of fun putting them together!
Great word!
It’s amazing how many plants exhibit this!
One of my favorite native summer flowers here is called mealy blue sage: Salvia farinacea.
It has exactly that farinaceous bloom on its flowers. Isn’t it pretty?
It is absolutely gorgeous! A perfect example of this characteristic. Thanks so much for sharing it!
Glaucous foliage of some desert plants reflects some of the light that might scald foliage, while allowing light that is needed for photosynthesis through. A glaucous layer sort of shades what is below.
Yes – excellent point! Thank you for this comment!
You are welcome. I happen to be near sea level, and grew up with trees that live on the coast, so I am aware of how dark green they are, without anything to reflect sunlight.
Vind het fantastisch
I’m so pleased you enjoyed this post!