squirrel's-foot fern
- noun
:
helecho pie de ardilla
- Visitors to the botanical garden were captivated by the squirrel's-foot fern, especially its furry rhizomes that resemble small animal paws.
Examples
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The squirrel's-foot fern thrives in humid, shaded gardens where its delicate fronds can spread gracefully.
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I added a squirrel's-foot fern to my collection of tropical plants for its lush foliage and unusual root structure.
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Botanists admire the unique rhizomes of the squirrel's-foot fern for their resemblance to small animal paws.
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I bought a squirrel's-foot fern for my living room.
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The squirrel's-foot fern thrives in humid conditions.
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In tropical greenhouses, the squirrel's-foot fern is often showcased for its unique root structure and lush, feathery fronds.
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For those interested in unusual plants, the squirrel's-foot fern is a stunning addition due to its soft, furry appearance.
Synonyms
A fern with soft grey hairy roots that look like a hare's foot
A feathery fern from tropical Asia and Malaysia that people grow for its pretty leaves
A feathery fern from tropical Asia often grown as a house or garden plant
A feathery fern with delicate divided leaves that grows in tropical Asia
A small plant with delicate feathery leaves from tropical Asia often grown in shaded gardens
Surface Forms
Morphology
squirrel's-foot + fern
The compound is compositionally transparent: a B1 learner who knows 'squirrel' and 'foot' will interpret 'squirrel's-foot' as 'resembling a squirrel's foot' and combining that with 'fern' yields a plant with foot‑like features. While botanical detail (e.g. 'rhizomes') may be unfamiliar, the overall form/shape meaning is directly derivable from the constituents.
Etymology
Squirrel's-foot fern is named for its soft, furry squirrel's-foot root stems that look like a small animal paw. That's why the name gives a clear picture and helps you remember the fern.
