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Glite Dictionary
Eleusine indica

Eleusine indica

9.9
A rough annual grass with fingerlike seed heads that often grows as a weed
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Eleusine indica
  • The fingerlike seed heads of Eleusine indica make it easy to identify among other grasses.

Examples

  • Farmers often struggle to control Eleusine indica because it is resistant to several herbicides.

  • Eleusine indica is a common weed found in lawns, golf courses, and gardens across many continents.

  • The Eleusine indica is often found in disturbed areas.

  • Farmers often struggle with Eleusine indica as it spreads quickly.

  • Eleusine indica is known for its coarse texture and distinctive fingerlike spikes of flowers, making it a common sight in tropical regions.

  • In many parks, Eleusine indica grows abundantly, often outcompeting more desirable grass species.

  • Landowners often deal with Eleusine indica as it tends to invade gardens and lawns, requiring frequent weeding.

Synonyms

yardgrass
vsEleusine indica
9.8

A coarse annual grass with spikes of flowers that grows as a common weed

has the same meaning but uses a different name for the same plant
wire grass
vsEleusine indica
  • Australian
8.2

A coarse one-year grass that has long thin flower spikes and often grows as a weed

is the same plant description but uses another name for it
goose grass
vsEleusine indica
  • Specialized
7.9

A coarse annual grass often found as a weed in fields and gardens

is the single species rather than a general name for many plants
Egyptian grass
vsEleusine indica
9.0

A creeping grass with finger-like spikes used for grazing in dry places

is an upright coarse annual rather than spreading by creeping stems

Surface Forms

Eleusine indica singular
Eleusine indicas plural

Morphology

Eleusine + indica

This is a literal binomial scientific name formed from the genus 'Eleusine' and the adjectival epithet 'indica' (meaning 'from India'); if a learner knows both constituents they can infer it refers to a species of Eleusine associated with India. Taxonomic Latin naming is compositional and cross-linguistically consistent, so the overall meaning is derivable from the parts.

Etymology

Eleusine indica may get its name from the old Greek place 'Eleusis', which was linked to stories about grain, while indica simply means 'from India'. The plant's fingerlike flower spikes give a clear picture and help you remember this grass is a common 'weed'.