umbrella plant
- noun
- US
:
planta paraguas
- The umbrella plant thrives on the rocky slopes of the Virginia shale barrens.
Examples
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The umbrella plant is often found in the shale barrens of Virginia, showcasing its distinctive late-blooming flowers.
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Conservationists are working to protect habitats where the rare umbrella plant grows.
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In spring, the umbrella plant produces clusters of small white flowers atop its stems.
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The umbrella plant is known for its unique flowers.
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Have you seen the umbrella plants in the garden?
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During the summer, the umbrella plant fills the air with its aromatic clusters of delicate white flowers.
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To learn more about the umbrella plant, visit the botanical garden where they have cultivated several specimens.
Synonyms
A plant that lives for many years with flat groups of yellow flowers that bloom late in rocky places
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a plant with an umbrella-like cluster of leaves' is directly inferable from combining 'umbrella' (a canopy) with 'plant' — the modifier describes the plant's shape. This noun–noun compositional pattern is common and cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily predict the meaning.
Etymology
Umbrella plant is named for its flat, wide flower heads that sit on top of the stems like an open umbrella. So the way the flowers form a flat top is why this plant is called an 'umbrella plant' now.
