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Glite Dictionary
leatherleaf saxifrage

leatherleaf saxifrage

9.9
A plant with thick leathery leaves and tight clusters of white flowers that grows in moist rocky places
  • noun
  • /ˈlɛðərˌlif ˈsæksɪˌfreɪdʒ/
  • US
translation icon : saxífraga manto de cuero
  • The leatherleaf saxifrage is easily recognized by its thick leaves and tight clusters of white flowers.

Examples

  • The leatherleaf saxifrage thrives in the moist rocky slopes of the Pacific Northwest.

  • We photographed several blooming leatherleaf saxifrage during our hike in Oregon.

  • The leatherleaf saxifrage thrives in moist environments.

  • Many gardeners appreciate the leatherleaf saxifrage for its unique appearance.

  • The leatherleaf saxifrage is easily recognized by its thick leaves and tight clusters of white flowers.

  • We photographed several blooming leatherleaf saxifrage during our hike in Oregon.

  • The leatherleaf saxifrage thrives in the moist rocky slopes of the Pacific Northwest.

Synonyms

Leptarrhena pyrolifolia
vsleatherleaf saxifrage
  • Specialized
9.9

A small mountain plant with thick oval leaves and tall stems of tiny white flowers

is the common name form for the same plant rather than the scientific label

Surface Forms

leatherleaf saxifrage singular
leatherleaf saxifrages plural

Morphology

leatherleaf + saxifrage

The compound simply names a saxifrage characterized by leathery leaves: combining 'leatherleaf' (having tough, leathery leaves) with 'saxifrage' (a plant) yields a descriptive plant name. This noun–noun, compositional pattern is common in English and other languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can reliably infer the meaning.

Etymology

Leatherleaf saxifrage comes from two simple images. Leatherleaf describes its thick, tough leaves, and saxifrage is an old word meaning 'stone-breaker' because the plant often grows in rocky, moist places, so the name helps you picture a tough-leaved plant living on rocks.