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Glite Dictionary
Podophyllum peltatum

Podophyllum peltatum

9.9
A low North American woodland plant with poisonous roots and fruit you can eat but that tastes bland
  • noun
  • /ˌpɒdəˈfɪləm ˈpɛltəˌtʌm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Podophyllum peltatum
  • Although Podophyllum peltatum has poisonous roots, its fruit can be eaten when fully ripe.

Examples

  • The shaded forest floor was carpeted with Podophyllum peltatum in early spring.

  • Many gardeners appreciate Podophyllum peltatum for its unique foliage.

  • Botanists study Podophyllum peltatum for its unique medicinal compounds.

  • The Podophyllum peltatum grows in shady areas of the forest.

  • The forest was filled with clusters of Podophyllum peltatum, creating a lush green carpet in spring.

  • Many people are unaware that Podophyllum peltatum produces fruit that, while edible, lacks flavor.

  • Gardens thrive with Podophyllum peltatum due to its attractive leaves and adaptability to shaded areas.

Synonyms

May apple
vsPodophyllum peltatum
  • Specialized
9.9

A North American plant with large umbrella leaves, a poisonous root, and an edible yellow fruit

is the scientific name for the same plant but with tasteless fruit
wild mandrake
vsPodophyllum peltatum
  • US
9.9

A North American plant with a poisonous root and a mild edible fruit

is the same plant described as having tasteless fruit rather than mild flavor

Surface Forms

Podophyllum peltatum singular
Podophyllum peltatums plural

Morphology

Podophyllum + peltatum

This is a binomial scientific name (Latin) referring to a specific plant species; its meaning ('Mayapple') and descriptive senses are not derivable by an average B1 learner from the parts, especially since 'peltatum' is not a common English word and is undefined here. Scientific names function as proper nouns and are language-specific lexical items rather than compositional phrases, so the overall meaning is not predictable from the constituents.

Etymology

Podophyllum peltatum comes from old Greek and Latin words: podophyllum means 'foot-leaf' and peltatum means 'shield-shaped'. It is called that because the plant has one big, round leaf that sits over the stem like a little shield, so the name helps you picture the plant.