Quercus lobata
- noun
- Specialized
- Many animals rely on the acorns from Quercus lobata as a source of food.
Examples
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The Quercus lobata is an iconic part of California's Central Valley landscape.
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Botanists conducted a survey of Quercus lobata populations after the wildfires.
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The Quercus lobata is known for its impressive height.
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Many Quercus lobatas can be found in California's valleys.
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The Quercus lobata grows tall and provides a vital habitat for various wildlife species.
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In California's valleys, the presence of Quercus lobata trees enhances the natural beauty of the landscape.
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The acorns of the Quercus lobata are an important food source for local animals.
Synonyms
A tall tree that grows in California with thick leaves and pointed acorns
A tall tree found in California that loses its leaves and makes narrow, pointed acorns
A tall California oak tree with leathery leaves and pointed acorns
A tall oak tree from California that loses its leaves in winter and has leathery leaves and slender acorns
Surface Forms
Morphology
Quercus + lobata
Quercus is clearly the oak genus and 'lobata' is a Latin adjective meaning 'lobed', so a learner who knows both constituents can infer this refers to a kind of oak (essentially a 'lobed oak'). However, because this is a Latin binomial and the exact common-name identification ('valley oak') and species-specific information are specialized, the composition is only partially transparent to a general B1 learner.
Etymology
Quercus lobata comes from old Latin words: Quercus means 'oak' and lobata means 'with lobed leaves'. So the name gives a clear image of a large oak with deep, rounded parts on its leaves, which helps you remember it is the California 'valley oak'.