zamia
1
9.9
A small green plant like a palm with long leaves that grows in the Americas
- noun
- /ˈzeɪmiə/
- Specialized
:
zamia
- Many gardeners appreciate the zamia for its unique, leafy appearance.
Examples
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The zamia grows well in tropical climates with abundant sunlight.
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The crinums and zamias are sadly neglected.
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In the botanical garden, the zamia is displayed alongside various exotic plants.
Synonyms
9.9
A small evergreen plant from the Americas with long, hard leaves and cones
refers to one plant belonging to the genus
Compounds
Zamia pumila
- Specialized
9.9
A small woody plant like a palm whose tough roots people use to make arrowroot
Surface Forms
Etymology
Zamia probably comes from an old native name used in the Americas for these palm-like plants, and early botanists kept that name when they gave the group its scientific name. That's why zamia still means the small, green cycad plants people grow for their decorative leaves.