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Glite Dictionary
Amorpha californica

Amorpha californica

9.9
A hairy shrub from the west coast of the United States with red to indigo flower clusters
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Amorpha californica
  • The Amorpha californica blooms beautifully in late spring.

Examples

  • The Amorpha californica is known for its striking indigo blossoms along the western coast.

  • Gardeners appreciate Amorpha californica for its resilience and attractive floral displays.

  • Researchers documented several Amorpha californica shrubs thriving in the hillside nature reserve.

  • Have you seen the Amorpha californica in the botanical garden?

  • Gardeners appreciate Amorpha californica for its resilience and attractive floral displays.

  • Researchers documented several Amorpha californica shrubs thriving in the hillside nature reserve.

  • The Amorpha californica is known for its striking indigo blossoms along the western coast.

Surface Forms

Amorpha californica singular
Amorpha californicas plural

Morphology

Amorpha + californica

This is a Latin binomial: 'Amorpha' names the plant genus (a shrub) and 'californica' is an adjectival epithet meaning 'of California' (i.e. Californian). A learner who recognises the genus as a plant and recognises 'California' can infer it denotes an Amorpha species from California, but the Latinized formation and taxonomic convention require some extra knowledge, so the relation is only partially predictable.

Etymology

Amorpha californica may come from a Greek word and a place name. The first word Amorpha means 'without form' because the flowers do not have the usual flower parts, and the second word californica means 'from California', so the name helps you remember it is a California shrub with unusual-looking flowers.