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Oxalidaceae

Oxalidaceae

9.9
A family of small flowering plants like wood-sorrel with leaves in groups of three and five-part flowers
  • noun
  • /ˌɒksəˈlɪdeɪsiː/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Oxalidáceas
  • The Oxalidaceae are easily recognized by their characteristic trifoliate leaves and yellow or pink flowers.

Examples

  • Several species in the Oxalidaceae family are cultivated as ornamentals because of their attractive foliage and flowers.

  • Taxonomists debated the classification of Oxalidaceae within the order Geraniales for many years.

  • The Oxalidaceae family includes many species of plants.

  • Have you ever seen an Oxalidaceae plant in the wild?

  • Several species in the Oxalidaceae family are cultivated as ornamentals because of their attractive foliage and flowers.

  • The Oxalidaceae are easily recognized by their characteristic trifoliate leaves and yellow or pink flowers.

  • The Oxalidaceae family includes many species of plants.

Synonyms

wood-sorrel family
vsOxalidaceae
  • Specialized
8.9

A group of flowering plants like wood-sorrel with leaves divided into parts and flowers with five petals

is the formal scientific name used in botanical classification

Surface Forms

Oxalidaceae singular
Oxalidaceas singular
Oxalidaceae plural

Morphology

Oxalidaceae = oxalid (opaque) = oxalid + aceae

The base 'oxalid' is a technical botanical term and the suffix '-aceae' is only familiar to those with botanical training, making the formation opaque for general learners.

Etymology

Oxalidaceae gets its name from the plant name Oxalis, which comes from the old Greek word oxys meaning 'sharp' or 'sour' because the leaves taste sour, and the ending -aceae marks a plant 'family', so Oxalidaceae is simply the wood-sorrel or 'sour-plant' family of herbs.