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Glite Dictionary
Tagetes erecta

Tagetes erecta

8.4
A tall annual plant with large bright yellow or orange flower heads often called African marigold
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Tagetes erecta
  • The garden was filled with Tagetes erecta, their bright blooms attracting butterflies and bees.

Examples

  • Many people plant Tagetes erecta to add color to their flower beds in summer.

  • Tagetes erecta is often used in traditional ceremonies in Mexico due to its vibrant appearance.

  • The garden was vibrant with Tagetes erecta blooming everywhere.

  • Many people love Tagetes erecta for its bright colors.

  • In her garden, she grows Tagetes erecta to enjoy their beautiful yellow flowers all summer long.

  • The bright orange flowers of Tagetes erecta are perfect for attracting pollinators to your garden.

  • During the festival, many homes are decorated with Tagetes erecta as a symbol of celebration in Mexico.

Synonyms

African marigold
vsTagetes erecta
4.3

A tall garden plant with bright yellow or orange flowers

is the formal botanical name rather than the common garden name
Aztec marigold
vsTagetes erecta
  • US
6.9

A bushy annual plant with large yellow or orange flowers used in gardens

is the scientific species name rather than a folk or garden name
big marigold
vsTagetes erecta
  • US
4.8

A plant people grow in gardens that has large yellow or orange flowers

is the species' formal botanical name rather than a size-based garden label

Surface Forms

Tagetes erecta singular
Tagetes erectas plural

Morphology

Tagetes + erecta

This is a botanical Latin binomial: 'Tagetes' names the genus and 'erecta' is a Latin adjectival epithet, not a regular English composition. A B1 learner who knows ordinary English words would not be able to derive the common name or specific species identity from these Latin constituents (and 'erecta' is not transparently English), so the meaning requires specialised botanical knowledge.

Etymology

Tagetes erecta is the scientific name for the tall, bright marigold often used in Mexican ceremonies. The name helps you remember the plant: Tagetes is the marigold group and erecta means 'upright', so picture a tall, straight orange-yellow flower — this image explains why the name refers to the tall, showy marigold.