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Glite Dictionary
genus Malpighia

genus Malpighia

9.9
A group of tropical shrubs and trees from the Americas that includes the Barbados cherry
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs mælˈpɪɡiə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Malpighia
  • The genus Malpighia includes the well-known Barbados cherry.

Examples

  • Acerola, a rich source of vitamin C, belongs to the genus Malpighia.

  • The genus Malpighia includes several species valued for their edible fruit.

  • Botanists have studied the genus Malpighia for clues about tropical plant evolution.

  • Many species within the genus Malpighia are cultivated for their fruit.

  • The genus Malpighia includes the popular Barbados cherry, known for its sweet flavor.

  • Research on the genus Malpighia has revealed interesting adaptations to tropical climates.

  • Many gardeners appreciate the vibrant flowers of plants in the genus Malpighia.

Synonyms

Malpighia
vsgenus Malpighia
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of tropical small trees and bushes that includes the Barbados cherry

notes they are native to the Americas rather than highlighting subtropical range

Surface Forms

genus Malpighia singular
genera Malpighia plural

Morphology

genus + Malpighia

The phrase 'genus Malpighia' is a straightforward taxonomic label: combining 'genus' (a biological rank) with the proper name 'Malpighia' yields the genus called Malpighia. This compositional, naming convention is cross-linguistically common in scientific contexts, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Genus Malpighia may come from the Italian scientist Marcello Malpighi. The word genus means a 'group of related plants' and Malpighia is the form of his name, so the full name means a group of tropical shrubs and trees named after Malpighi.