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Glite Dictionary
Carlina acaulis

Carlina acaulis

9.9
A low, stemless plant with large silvery or purple flowers and spiny hairy leaves that grows in mountain meadows
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Carlina acaulis
  • The Carlina acaulis is often seen growing close to the ground in sunny alpine meadows.

Examples

  • Botanists admire the striking appearance of the Carlina acaulis when it blooms in late summer.

  • During our hike, we spotted the vibrant Carlina acaulis with its distinctive spiny leaves and large flowers.

  • Some traditional herbal remedies in Europe have used parts of the Carlina acaulis for medicinal purposes.

  • Look at that stunning Carlina acaulis blooming!

  • The Carlina acaulis is native to alpine regions.

  • The Carlina acaulis thrives in harsh alpine environments, showcasing its resilience and beauty.

  • Garden enthusiasts often seek the Carlina acaulis for its unique floral display in rock gardens.

Synonyms

stemless carline thistle
vsCarlina acaulis
  • UK
9.9

A low mountain plant that lies close to the ground with a large, spiny flower head and hairy leaves

has identical meaning but uses the formal species name

Surface Forms

Carlina acaulis singular
Carlina acaulis plural

Morphology

Carlina + acaulis

The name is a Latin binomial: 'Carlina' names the genus (a kind of daisy/thistle) and 'acaulis' is a botanical Latin adjective meaning 'stemless', so the compound literally denotes a 'stemless Carlina'. This is compositionally derivable for someone who knows both constituents (and especially familiar with botanical/Latin formation), but it relies on technical/Latin knowledge not expected of an average B1 learner and is not a normal English phrasal pattern, so it is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Carlina acaulis mixes a historical name and a simple Latin description. One popular story says Carlina comes from the old ruler Charlemagne, and acaulis literally means 'without a stem', so the name helps you remember this daisy-like plant grows flat to the ground with no tall stem.