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Glite Dictionary
Lysimachia terrestris

Lysimachia terrestris

9.9
A North American plant with spikes of yellow flowers that grows in wet places like marshes and pond edges
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Lysimachia terrestris
  • The distinctive yellow spikes of Lysimachia terrestris make it easy to spot during summer walks.

Examples

  • Gardeners sometimes plant Lysimachia terrestris to attract pollinators to wetland gardens.

  • Lysimachia terrestris thrives in marshes and along the edges of freshwater ponds.

  • The Lysimachia terrestris blooms beautifully in the summer.

  • Have you ever seen a Lysimachia terrestris in the wild?

  • Lysimachia terrestris is often found in wet meadows where its yellow flowers draw many bees.

  • In moist areas near rivers, Lysimachia terrestris adds vibrant color with its tall spikes of yellow blooms.

  • During my hike, I spotted Lysimachia terrestris growing in a swampy area filled with wildflowers.

Synonyms

swamp candles
vsLysimachia terrestris
  • Specialized
9.9

A plant with tall yellow flower spikes that grows in wet marshes

grows in wet habitats more generally rather than only marshes

Surface Forms

Lysimachia terrestris singular
Lysimachia terrestris plural

Morphology

Lysimachia + terrestris

This is a Latin binomial composed of a plant genus plus a species epithet, so knowing the constituents signals it is a particular plant species; the epithet 'terrestris' (terrestrial, 'of the earth/ground') would allow a learner to infer a land-associated plant. However, specific details in the definition (e.g., yellow flower spikes, wet habitats) are not predictable from the parts, and the second element is not glossed in the input, so the relation is only partially transparent to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Lysimachia terrestris comes from an old group name Lysimachia and the Latin word terrestris, from 'terra' meaning 'earth' or 'ground'. This makes a simple picture: a plant rooted in the ground with spikes of yellow flowers by ponds and marshes, so the name fits a land-growing plant that lives in wet places.