What is considered deciduous?

[notforsale]

What can be considered a deciduous tree? Most bonsai categorized as deciduous are those that lose their leaves in autumn and spend the winter leafless. There are other species that also lose all their leaves, but not because of cold, they drop them due to factors such as drought, excessive heat, flowering, etc. Would these also be classified as deciduous? And what about broadleaf evergreens that can be completely defoliated?

 

[Russ1]

Semi Deciduous? Some Azaleas are semi deciduous in winter. Some Conifers are deciduous like Larch..

 

[Kievnstavick]

Deciduous is defined as "(A tree or shrub) shedding its leaves annually."

Any tree that biologically sheds its leaves intentionally due to a variety of factors (IE drought, cold, heat, age, nutrition) are considered to be deciduous.

Broadleaf evergreens are stated in their description to be Evergreen. As in, they do not biologically shed their leaves intentionally. Thus they are considered evergreen and are not deciduous.

Broadleaf and conifers are a major groupings that generally describe their reproductive process and the basic photosynthetic structures. It does not describe their environmental habits.

If you defoliate a broadleaf evergreen, you are not mimicking a natural biological processes.

Adonsia digitata (African Baobab) is considered a Decidious Broadleaf Succulent

 

[Potawatomi13]

Generally broad leaved trees that shed their leaves during cold or dry seasons of the year. Conifers that shed are generally classed broadly with conifers.