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Tetragoniaceae

Tetragoniaceae

9.9
A group of small plants with thick leaves, like carpetweeds, that grow in dry places or by the sea
  • noun
  • /ˌtɛtrəˈɡoʊniˌeɪsiˌi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Tetragoniaceae
  • The Tetragoniaceae family includes species adapted to arid environments.

Examples

  • Many gardeners appreciate the Tetragoniaceae for their hardiness.

  • Several ornamental plants belong to the Tetragoniaceae and are prized for their unique foliage.

  • Researchers studied the distribution of Tetragoniaceae in coastal regions.

  • The Tetragoniaceae family includes several unique species.

  • Many gardeners appreciate the Tetragoniaceae family for their ability to thrive in dry conditions.

  • Several ornamental plants belong to the Tetragoniaceae, which are valued for their attractive leaves.

  • Researchers studied the various species of Tetragoniaceae that grow in New Zealand.

Synonyms

carpetweed family
vsTetragoniaceae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of small plants with thick leaves that store water, like carpetweeds and fig marigolds

is the formal scientific name rather than the common family label
Aizoaceae
vsTetragoniaceae
  • Specialized
9.9

A family of fleshy plants from South Africa, like carpetweeds and fig marigolds

is broader in distribution and includes New Zealand and North America

Surface Forms

Tetragoniaceae singular

Morphology

Tetragoniaceae = Tetragonia (opaque) = tetragoni + aceae

Formed by adding the specialized botanical family suffix '-aceae' to the genus name, a technical Latin taxonomic ending that is unlikely to be meaningful to average learners.

Etymology

The word Tetragoniaceae comes from Greek parts tetra- 'four' and gonia 'angle', the same root you see in polygon for shapes with many angles. It refers to plants that often have four-angled fruits or leaves, so the family name points to that shape.