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Larix decidua

Larix decidua

9.7
A tall European tree that has thin needle leaves that turn gold and fall in winter
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Larix decidua
  • Unlike most conifers, Larix decidua sheds its needles during the winter months.

Examples

  • The Larix decidua is notable for its golden needles in autumn before they fall.

  • The Larix decidua thrives in mountainous regions.

  • Foresters in Europe often plant Larix decidua to improve soil and timber quality.

  • Have you seen a Larix decidua in the forest?

  • Foresters in Europe often plant Larix decidua trees to improve soil and timber quality.

  • The Larix decidua is notable for its unique golden needles that appear in autumn.

  • Unlike most conifers, Larix decidua loses its needles in winter, giving it a distinctive seasonal appearance.

Synonyms

European larch
vsLarix decidua
  • UK
8.0

A tall tree from central Europe with soft needle leaves that fall in autumn

is the scientific Latin name used instead of the common name

Surface Forms

Larix decidua singular

Morphology

Larix + decidua

This is a taxonomic Latin binomial combining the genus Larix (larch) with the specific epithet decidua (Latin for 'deciduous'). The meaning is compositional in principle — a deciduous larch — but because the phrase is scientific Latin and 'decidua' is not an ordinary English word (and not given in the dictionary entry), an average B1 learner would only sometimes infer the meaning (e.g., via the cognate 'deciduous').

Etymology

Larix decidua is a scientific name that gives a simple picture: Larix is the larch tree and decidua means 'falling off'. So the name points to a larch that turns golden and 'loses its needles' in autumn before winter.