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Glite Dictionary
Marsilea quadrifolia

Marsilea quadrifolia

9.9
An aquatic fern with four clover-like leaves from Europe, Asia and eastern North America
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : Marsilea quadrifolia
  • The pond was covered with Marsilea quadrifolia, giving it the appearance of floating clover.

Examples

  • Botanists have studied Marsilea quadrifolia for its unique reproductive cycle.

  • The Marsilea quadrifolia is often found in shallow waters.

  • Gardeners sometimes plant Marsilea quadrifolia as an ornamental aquatics in water features.

  • Look at that Marsilea quadrifolia!

  • Botanists have studied Marsilea quadrifolia for its unique reproductive cycle, which differs from other ferns.

  • Gardeners sometimes plant Marsilea quadrifolia as an ornamental aquatic plant in water features due to its attractive clover-like leaves.

  • The pond was covered with Marsilea quadrifolia, which created a beautiful green carpet resembling floating clovers.

Synonyms

water clover
vsMarsilea quadrifolia
  • Specialized
7.5

A small water plant with leaves made of four clover-like parts that float

is the single species among those ferns rather than a general type
clover fern
vsMarsilea quadrifolia
  • Specialized
8.7

A water fern with leaves divided into four small parts like a clover

is one specific species within that broader group

Surface Forms

Marsilea quadrifolia singular
Marsilea quadrifolias plural

Morphology

Marsilea + quadrifolia

This is a scientific Latin binomial: 'Marsilea' names a genus (a fern) and 'quadrifolia' is a Latin epithet rather than an English word. Species names function as proper labels and the Latin element ('quadri-/folia' = four-leaved) is unlikely to be recognized by a B1 learner, so the overall meaning is not predictably derivable from the constituents.

Etymology

Marsilea quadrifolia gives a clear picture: the word quadrifolia is Latin for 'four leaves', because each floating leaf is made of four small clover-like leaflets, and Marsilea is the older name for this little water fern. That's why the name helps you remember the plant's four-leaf look.