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Glite Dictionary
Bowiea volubilis

Bowiea volubilis

9.9
A South African plant with many branches and no leaves that has bright green stems and grows from large bulbs
  • noun
  • South African
translation icon : Bowiea volubilis
  • The greenhouse features a collection of rare species, including Bowiea volubilis with its unusual leafless stems.

Examples

  • Gardeners value Bowiea volubilis for its resilience and striking bulbs.

  • After two years, the Bowiea volubilis finally bloomed, revealing its delicate star-shaped flowers.

  • The Bowiea volubilis is often admired for its striking appearance.

  • Many gardeners choose Bowiea volubilis for its unique twining stems.

  • Gardeners appreciate Bowiea volubilis for its unique twining growth and vibrant green stems.

  • The striking green stems of Bowiea volubilis make it a popular choice in ornamental gardens.

  • In South Africa, Bowiea volubilis is often cultivated for its distinctive leafless appearance.

Synonyms

climbing onion
vsBowiea volubilis
  • South African
9.9

A South African climbing plant with bright green stems and large bulbs grown for decoration

is the same plant but named using a scientific Latin term

Surface Forms

Bowiea volubilis singular
Bowiea volubilis plural

Morphology

Bowiea + volubilis

This is a binomial scientific name composed of a genus ('Bowiea' — a bulbous plant) plus a specific epithet ('volubilis' — from Latin meaning 'twining' or 'tending to coil'), so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it denotes the twining species of Bowiea. Scientific names are compositional and used cross-linguistically to describe species traits, making the overall meaning directly derivable from the parts for someone familiar with them.

Etymology

Bowiea volubilis may come from a plant collector's name, with Bowiea from James Bowie and volubilis a Latin word meaning 'twining'. The name gives a clear picture: the plant grows from a large bulb and sends bright green, leafless stems that twist around supports, so the name helps you remember how it looks.