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Glite Dictionary
Lycium barbarum

Lycium barbarum

8.6
A small bush with spiny branches that produces bright orange-red berries called goji berries
  • noun
  • /ˈlaɪsiəm ˈbɑrbərəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Lycium barbarum
  • Lycium barbarum is widely cultivated for its nutritious berries, commonly known as goji berries.

Examples

  • The bright orange-red berries of Lycium barbarum are valued both as food and for their medicinal properties.

  • The Lycium barbarum plant thrives in dry climates.

  • Traditional Chinese medicine often uses Lycium barbarum as a herbal remedy for various ailments.

  • Many people enjoy the health benefits of Lycium barbarum berries.

  • Lycium barbarum is widely cultivated for its nutritious berries, commonly known as goji berries.

  • The bright orange-red berries of Lycium barbarum are valued both as food and for their medicinal properties.

  • Many people enjoy the health benefits of Lycium barbarum berries.

Synonyms

wolfberry
vsLycium barbarum
1 7.9

A small bush that makes red or orange edible berries used in food and medicine

refers specifically to a particular species with violet-purple flowers and orange-red fruit
common matrimony vine
vsLycium barbarum
9.9

A bush with thorny branches, purple flowers, and orange-red berries

is the same plant but named differently in other sources
Duke of Argyll's tea tree
vsLycium barbarum
9.9

A bush with spiny branches that has purple flowers and bright orange-red berries

is the same plant described by a different common name
goji
vsLycium barbarum
7.0

A spiny Asian shrub that produces small red berries

refers to the same species across its native range including southeastern Europe

Surface Forms

Lycium barbarum singular
Lycium barbarums plural

Morphology

Lycium + barbarum

This is a Latin binomial (scientific name) rather than a compositional English phrase: the parts are taxonomic labels (Lycium + barbarum) and do not combine to form a literal, predictable meaning in English. The second element is not a productive English word (and is unknown in the provided data), so a B1 learner who knows the constituents would not be able to infer that this refers to the goji/wolfberry shrub.

Etymology

Lycium barbarum likely comes from the old place name 'Lycia' and the Latin word 'barbarum', which meant 'foreign' or 'from outside'. So, picture a shrub from far away that bears bright orange-red 'goji berries' also called 'wolfberries', and that image helps you remember the plant today.