family Ericaceae
- noun
- /ˈfɛmɪli ˌɛrɪˈkeɪsi/
- Specialized
- Blueberries and rhododendrons both belong to the family Ericaceae.
Examples
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Many species in the family Ericaceae thrive in acidic soil.
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Botanists are researching the evolution of species within the family Ericaceae.
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There are over 100 genera included in the family Ericaceae.
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The family Ericaceae includes many beautiful plants.
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Blueberries and rhododendrons both belong to the family Ericaceae.
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Botanists are researching the evolution of species within the family Ericaceae.
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Many species in the family Ericaceae thrive in acidic soil.
Synonyms
A group of flowering shrubs like blueberries and rhododendrons that often grow in acid soil
A group of flowering plants like blueberries or rhododendrons that grow in acidic soil
Surface Forms
Morphology
This is a straightforward taxonomic label: 'family' (a scientific grouping) combined with the proper name 'Ericaceae' (a plant-family name). A B1 learner who knows both constituents can directly infer it refers to the plant family called Ericaceae (heathers, rhododendrons, blueberries); such scientific naming is compositional and cross-linguistically recognizable.
Etymology
Family Ericaceae is named after the heather plant. Think of a 'family' where the members are similar, and in plants this means a group of related flowering plants, so family Ericaceae refers to the 'heather family' that includes heathers, rhododendrons and blueberries.