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Glite Dictionary
Yucca smalliana

Yucca smalliana

9.9
A plant with a group of long narrow leaves and a tall stalk of small white flowers
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : yucca smalliana
  • During late spring, Yucca smalliana produces a tall stalk lined with small white flowers.

Examples

  • Gardeners often choose Yucca smalliana for its striking foliage and low maintenance.

  • The Yucca smalliana is often found in dry, sandy soils.

  • The sandy soil of the region is ideal for Yucca smalliana to thrive.

  • Many gardeners appreciate the beauty of Yucca smalliana.

  • During late spring, Yucca smalliana produces a tall stalk lined with small white flowers.

  • Gardeners often choose Yucca smalliana for its striking foliage and low maintenance.

  • The sandy soil of the region is ideal for Yucca smalliana to thrive.

Surface Forms

Yucca smalliana singular
Yucca smallianas plural

Morphology

yucca + smalliana

As a botanical binomial, the phrase signals a type of yucca, so a learner who knows 'yucca' can infer it refers to a plant of that genus. However, the second element 'smalliana' is a Latinized specific epithet (not a productive English word) and does not transparently convey additional meaning to a B1 learner, so the precise sense is not predictable from the parts.

Etymology

Yucca smalliana may be named for a plant scientist, John Kunkel Small, who studied plants in the southern United States. Think of it as 'Small's yucca' — the species word smalliana points to a person's name, which helps you remember this yucca species.