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Torreya taxifolia

Torreya taxifolia

9.9
A rare small evergreen tree from northern Florida with glossy leaves that smell bad when crushed
  • noun
  • /ˈtɔːrɪə tæksɪˈfoʊliə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Torreya taxifolia
  • The glossy green leaves of Torreya taxifolia release a strong, unpleasant smell when crushed.

Examples

  • Conservationists are actively working to save Torreya taxifolia from extinction in its native habitat.

  • The Torreya taxifolia is now considered one of the most endangered trees in North America.

  • Botanists study the unique odor produced when the leaves of Torreya taxifolia are crushed.

  • The Torreya taxifolia is often found in wet areas.

  • Have you ever seen a Torreya taxifolia tree?

  • Due to its rarity, Torreya taxifolia has become a focal point for conservation efforts in northern Florida.

  • This small evergreen tree, Torreya taxifolia, thrives in the humid conditions of its native habitat.

Synonyms

Torrey tree
vsTorreya taxifolia
  • Specialized
9.9

A rare small evergreen tree from northern Florida with shiny leaves that smell bad when crushed

gives a milder unpleasant smell rather than a very strong one
stinking cedar
vsTorreya taxifolia
  • US
9.9

A small evergreen tree with glossy leaves that smell bad when crushed

has identical meaning but uses a different common name for the same plant
stinking yew
vsTorreya taxifolia
  • US
9.9

A small evergreen shrub with shiny leaves that smell bad when crushed

describes a small tree rather than a shrub in growth form

Surface Forms

Torreya taxifolia singular
Torreya taxifolias plural

Morphology

Torreya + taxifolia

This is a scientific binomial (genus + specific epithet) functioning as a proper name for a particular species. Even if a learner knows 'Torreya' as a type of evergreen, the specific epithet 'taxifolia' is not a common English word and the species-specific meaning (a rare Florida tree with particular properties) cannot be derived compositionally, so the name is not transparently interpretable by a B1 learner.

Etymology

The name Torreya taxifolia comes from a plant scientist named John Torrey and from Latin words that describe the leaves. Torreya honours John Torrey and taxifolia means 'yew-leaved', from 'yew' and 'leaf', so the name helps you picture a small tree with shiny, yew-like leaves.