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Acanthaceae

Acanthaceae

9.9
A group of mostly tropical plants like herbs, shrubs, and trees with often spiny, showy flowers
  • noun
  • /ˌækənˈθeɪʃiː/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Acanthaceae
  • The Acanthaceae exhibit a remarkable diversity of flower shapes and leaf forms.

Examples

  • Many species in the Acanthaceae family are valued as ornamental garden plants.

  • Researchers studied various medicinal uses of plants from the Acanthaceae family.

  • The Acanthaceae family includes many beautiful flowering plants.

  • Did you know that Acanthaceae plants thrive in tropical climates?

  • Many species in the Acanthaceae family are valued as ornamental garden plants.

  • Researchers studied various medicinal uses of plants from the Acanthaceae family.

  • The Acanthaceae exhibit a remarkable diversity of flower shapes and leaf forms.

Synonyms

acanthus family
vsAcanthaceae
  • Specialized
9.1

A group of flowering plants with decorative leaves often grown in gardens

is mainly tropical in range rather than widely distributed

Surface Forms

Acanthaceae singular
Acanthaceas plural
Acanthaceae plural

Morphology

Acanthaceae = acanthus (opaque) = acanthus + aceae

Formed from the genus name 'acanthus' plus the specialized botanical family suffix '-aceae', which is technical and not transparent to general learners.

Etymology

Acanthaceae comes from the Greek word akantha, meaning 'thorn' or 'spine', plus the plant-family ending -aceae. So the name points to the spiny parts or small leaf-like parts many plants in this family have, which makes it easier to remember they are often thorny or have showy leaves.