Agathis lanceolata

9.9

A large tree from New Caledonia with shiny leaves and scaly reddish brown bark

noun

Specialized

: Agathis lanceolata

The glossy leaves of Agathis lanceolata make it easy to distinguish from other native trees.

Examples

The forest reserve is home to the majestic Agathis lanceolata, a rare and ancient conifer.
Many visitors admire the Agathis lanceolata in the botanical gardens.
Researchers studied the growth patterns of Agathis lanceolata to understand its ecological role.
The Agathis lanceolata is known for its impressive height.
The forest reserve is home to the majestic Agathis lanceolata, a rare and ancient conifer.
Researchers studied the growth patterns of Agathis lanceolata to understand its ecological role.
Many visitors admire the Agathis lanceolata in the botanical gardens.

Surface Forms

Agathis lanceolata singular

Agathis lanceolatas plural

Morphology

Agathis + lanceolata

This is a Latin binomial (scientific) name rather than a compositional English phrase; its constituents are taxonomic/Latin or absent from common dictionaries, so a B1 learner who knows ordinary English words would not be able to derive that it denotes a particular tree species. While 'lanceolata' is related to the botanical term 'lanceolate' (spear-shaped), that is specialized vocabulary and not predictable for an average B1 learner, making the expression non-compositional for them.

Etymology

Agathis lanceolata may come from older words that describe the tree: Agathis was used for large evergreen trees and lanceolata means 'lance-shaped', because the leaves are long and pointed. So the name helps you picture a big tree with long, shiny, spear-like leaves, which makes the species easier to remember.