The tutor discusses a definition that surprised him.

Back in the Maritimes, where I grew up, deciduous meant that the tree lost its leaves in the fall. The reason seemed simple enough: the lush leaves, so effective at catching sunlight for photosynthesis, could not survive the frost. Hence, deciduous meant that the leaves were lost due to a force of nature: the frost.

According to the field guide Plants of Coastal British Columbia, however, deciduous is defined in a different spirit: falling off after completion of its normal function (p. 506). This definition suggests that, indeed, the plant decides to cast off its temporary structure, rather than being forced to by nature.

Here on the BC south coast, you can see examples of deciduous in its elective sense. In early August, numerous trees are already shedding their leaves, though frost isn’t expected for months. Have those trees already got what they needed from those leaves, so are letting them go early? Perhaps: it’s been a sensationally hot, sunny summer, with a few days of rain just when we’ve needed it.

I hope your summer’s going well:)

Source:

Pojar, Jim and Andy MacKinnon. Plants of Coastal British Columbia. Vancouver:
   BC Ministry of Forests and Lone Pine Publishing, 1994.

Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.