broomrape family
- noun
- /ˈbruːmreɪp ˈfæmɪli/
- Specialized
:
familia de las orobancháceas
- The broomrape family includes unusual herbs that lack chlorophyll and live off host plants.
Examples
-
Several species in the broomrape family are known for parasitizing the roots of other plants.
-
Plants in the broomrape family often lack chlorophyll.
-
Botanists are studying new members of the broomrape family found in Mediterranean regions.
-
The broomrape family consists of various parasitic plants.
-
Many plants in the broomrape family are known for their unique adaptations to parasitism.
-
Members of the broomrape family can be found in diverse habitats, thriving on the nutrients from their hosts.
-
Research has shown that the broomrape family plays an important role in the ecosystems where they are found.
Synonyms
A family of parasitic plants that live on other plants and take their food
Surface Forms
Morphology
If a learner knows 'broomrape' (a parasitic plant) and 'family' (a taxonomic grouping), the phrase compositionally denotes the taxonomic family containing broomrape species; the meaning is directly derived from the two constituents. This is a standard, cross-linguistically common noun-noun composition in biology, so a B1 learner who knows both words would understand it.
Etymology
Broomrape family may come from an old name for a plant that grew on broom bushes plus a word like rape that once meant 'to steal'. So the name gives a clear image: members of the broomrape family do not make their own food but 'live on other plants' and 'steal' water and food, which is why it refers to those parasitic, leafless herbs.
