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Glite Dictionary
Tussilago alpina

Tussilago alpina

9.9
A small mountain plant with purple-red flowers that grows from underground stems
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Tussilago alpina
  • The purple-red flowers of Tussilago alpina bloom early in the alpine spring.

Examples

  • Tussilago alpina thrives in rocky soils at high altitudes in the Alps.

  • I found a Tussilago alpina while hiking in the Alps.

  • Gardeners sometimes use Tussilago alpina as a groundcover for shady areas.

  • The Tussilago alpina blooms beautifully in the spring.

  • Tussilago alpina has striking purple-red flowers that can be seen dotting the alpine landscape in early spring.

  • In botanical gardens, Tussilago alpina is often displayed for its vibrant purple-red flowers and unique foliage.

  • Hikers admire Tussilago alpina for its ability to thrive in harsh, rocky conditions at high elevations.

Synonyms

alpine coltsfoot
vsTussilago alpina
  • Specialized
9.9

A low plant with purple-red flowers that grows from underground stems and spreads to cover the ground

is the species native to alpine areas and noted for its scientific placement
Homogyne alpina
vsTussilago alpina
  • Specialized
9.9

A small mountain plant with purple-red flowers that forms ground cover

is native to broader alpine regions rather than only European mountains

Surface Forms

Tussilago alpina singular
Tussilago alpinas plural
Tussilago alpinus singular
Tussilago alpinæ singular

Morphology

Tussilago + alpina

The compound is a binomial Latin name formed from a genus (Tussilago) plus a specific epithet (alpina); if a learner recognises the genus as a plant group and recognises 'alpina' as related to 'alpine' they can infer this is an alpine species of that genus. However, binomial Latin forms and taxonomic conventions are not fully predictable for a B1 learner (and 'alpina' is not an English word), so some background in biology or awareness of Latinized epithets is needed.

Etymology

Tussilago alpina comes from two Latin words. The part Tussilago comes from 'tussis', a word for 'cough', because people once used these plants to help coughs, and alpina means 'from the Alps' or mountains. So the name helps you remember it is a mountain herb with purple-red flowers that people once used as a simple 'cough' remedy.