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Desmodium

Desmodium

9.9
A group of flowering plants in the pea family with sticky pods that cling to fur
  • noun
  • /ˈdɛzməˌdiəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Desmodium
  • Many farmers plant Desmodium as a cover crop to improve soil fertility.

Examples

  • Researchers studied the distribution of Desmodium species across several continents.

  • The Desmodium plant is known for its medicinal properties.

  • The sticky pods of Desmodium easily cling to the fur and clothing of passing animals.

  • Some species of Desmodium are used in traditional medicine.

  • The gardener planted several Desmodium species to attract pollinators to the garden.

  • In the field, we noticed that the Desmodium plants are thriving despite the dry conditions.

  • Farmers often find Desmodium growing alongside their crops, as it is known for its resilience.

Synonyms

tick trefoil
vsDesmodium
  • Specialized
9.9

A plant with three small leaves and sticky pods that cling to clothes or animals

is the formal scientific genus name for the same plants

Compounds

Desmodium gyrans
  • Specialized
9.9

A tropical bush whose small side leaves move up and down in sunlight

Desmodium motorium
  • Specialized
9.9

A tropical bush with small leaves that move in sunlight

Desmodium purpureum
  • Specialized
9.9

A plant like clover grown for animal feed and to improve soil

Desmodium tortuosum
  • Specialized
9.9

A tropical plant grown for animal feed and to improve soil

Surface Forms

Desmodium singular
Desmodiums plural
Desmodia plural

Etymology

Desmodium comes from the Greek word desmos, which means 'bond' or 'chain', because the plant's seedpods are made of small joined parts. So, you can remember Desmodium as a plant whose sticky, chain-like pods cling to animals and clothing.