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Glite Dictionary
Larrea tridentata

Larrea tridentata

9.9
A desert shrub with small yellow flowers, commonly called the creosote bush
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Larrea tridentata
  • The Larrea tridentata, also known as the creosote bush, is a vital part of the desert ecosystem.

Examples

  • The distinctive smell of Larrea tridentata fills the air after a desert rain.

  • Many animals in the desert rely on the Larrea tridentata for shade and food.

  • Botanists study Larrea tridentata to understand how plants survive in arid climates.

  • The Larrea tridentata is a common sight in the Mojave Desert.

  • Many people appreciate the Larrea tridentata for its resilience in harsh environments.

  • In the hot summers, the Larrea tridentata provides necessary shelter for various desert species.

  • The leaves of the Larrea tridentata produce a characteristic aroma that is distinctive in desert landscapes.

Synonyms

creosote bush
vsLarrea tridentata
  • US
1 9.8

A desert shrub with sticky leaves that have a strong smell and small yellow flowers

is the scientific name used in formal contexts
coville
vsLarrea tridentata
  • Specialized
9.9

A desert bush with sticky, scented leaves and small yellow flowers

includes northern Mexico as part of its native range
hediondilla
vsLarrea tridentata
  • US
9.9

A desert shrub with sticky, scented leaves and small yellow flowers

extends the range to include northern Mexico

Surface Forms

Larrea tridentata singular
Larrea tridentatas plural

Morphology

Larrea + tridentata

This is a scientific Latin binomial (genus + species). A learner who knows 'Larrea' can infer the phrase denotes a type/species of shrub, but the species epithet 'tridentata' is a Latin form not transparent to B1 learners and does not transparently yield the common name or full meaning without botanical knowledge. Because part of the meaning (that it is a shrub) is inferable but the specific referent ('creosote bush') is not predictable from the constituents, the expression is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Larrea tridentata comes from two parts: Larrea, a Spanish family name used to honour a person, and tridentata, Latin for 'three-toothed', which describes the shape of its leaves. So the scientific name helps you picture this desert shrub, the 'creosote bush', with a strong smell and small yellow flowers.