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Glite Dictionary
Astragalus alpinus

Astragalus alpinus

9.9
A small plant that grows in cold mountain areas of Europe, Asia and North America and is related to peas
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Astrágalo alpino
  • The rocky slopes were dotted with blooming Astragalus alpinus throughout the short summer season.

Examples

  • Hikers admired the delicate purple flowers of Astragalus alpinus high above the treeline.

  • Scientists studying arctic ecosystems frequently encounter Astragalus alpinus among the native flora.

  • The Astragalus alpinus thrives in rocky terrains.

  • Have you seen the Astragalus alpinus in bloom this spring?

  • Hikers admired the delicate purple flowers of Astragalus alpinus high above the treeline.

  • Scientists studying arctic ecosystems frequently encounter Astragalus alpinus among the native flora.

  • The rocky slopes were dotted with blooming Astragalus alpinus throughout the short summer season.

Synonyms

alpine milk vetch
vsAstragalus alpinus
  • Specialized
9.9

A small plant with purple flowers that grows every year on high mountain slopes

is a member of the pea family rather than the narrower vetch genus

Surface Forms

Astragalus alpinus singular
Astragalus alpinus plural

Morphology

Astragalus + alpinus

This is a Linnaean binomial formed from the genus name 'Astragalus' and the species epithet 'alpinus' (Latin/derived form meaning 'alpine' or 'of the mountains'). If a learner knows the constituents, the meaning — an Astragalus species that occurs in alpine/mountainous areas — is directly derivable from the parts rather than idiomatic.

Etymology

Astragalus alpinus comes from the Greek word astragalos, meaning 'ankle bone', because the plant's small seed pods look like knucklebones, and the Latin word alpinus means 'from high mountains'. So the name paints a picture of a small pea family flower with bean-like pods on mountain slopes, which helps you remember it grows in high places.