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Glite Dictionary
Cistaceae

Cistaceae

9.9
A family of plants like small bushes with bright flowers that grow in dry Mediterranean areas
  • noun
  • /ˌsɪstəˈsiːi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Cistáceas
  • The Cistaceae family includes many species adapted to dry Mediterranean climates.

Examples

  • Some members of the Cistaceae are cultivated for their ornamental flowers.

  • Botanists have studied the ecological roles of Cistaceae in preventing soil erosion.

  • The Cistaceae family includes many beautiful flowering plants.

  • Many Cistaceae species thrive in dry, rocky soils.

  • Many species within the Cistaceae family are well-suited for gardens in dry regions.

  • The Cistaceae family is known for its resilience in hot, arid climates.

  • Some plants of the Cistaceae are popular choices for Mediterranean landscaping.

Synonyms

rockrose family
vsCistaceae
  • Specialized
8.2

A group of shrubs and other plants that grow in warm places like the Mediterranean

is called by a common everyday name rather than the scientific label
family Cistaceae
vsCistaceae
  • Specialized
9.9

Shrubs and small woody plants that have showy flowers and grow in the Mediterranean

focuses on the common name rather than describing visible plant traits

Compounds

family Cistaceae
  • Specialized
9.9

Shrubs and small woody plants that have showy flowers and grow in the Mediterranean

Surface Forms

Cistaceae singular
Cistaceae plural

Morphology

Cistaceae = Cistus (opaque) = Cistus + aceae

The suffix '-aceae' is a specialized Latin botanical family-forming suffix unfamiliar to typical learners, so the family meaning is not derivable by a B1 learner from the base.

Etymology

Cistaceae comes from the plant name Cistus, from Greek kistos, meaning the 'rockrose', a small shrub that grows on dry, rocky ground. The ending -aceae is used for plant 'family', so Cistaceae literally names the family of rockrose shrubs, which explains why it refers to these Mediterranean woody plants.