arbuscula
- noun
- Specialized
- The clinging crab, Mithrax forceps, nestled among the branches of the coral Oculina arbuscula.
- O. arbuscula
Examples
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In botanical studies, the term arbuscula often refers to plants that have a small, tree-like structure.
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In the field, Stachowicz found an average of one M. forceps individual living within the complex branching structure of each O. arbuscula coral.
Academic text (1998) -
Although the mutualism is clearly essential to both partners in shallow waters at the study site, M. forceps and O. arbuscula can live independently of one another in much of their ranges.
Academic text (1998) -
Therefore, Stachowicz suggests, in such habitats M. forceps may be a keystone species for the community of organisms that find a home in or on O. arbuscula.
Academic text (1998) -
The researchers discovered a rare species of arbuscula that thrives in the arid desert environment.
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Oldenburgia arbuscula is a small shrub that provides vital habitat for local wildlife.
Synonyms
A small tree like a bush used in old or poetic language
How Big
Surface Forms
Etymology
Arbuscula comes from Latin arbor 'tree' with the small ending -cula 'little', so it means 'a little tree' or shrub and scientists use it when they name small tree-like plants.