calcifugous

9.9

A plant that prefers acid soil and does not grow well in soil with lime

adjective
/ˌkæl.sɪˈfjuː.ɡəs/

Specialized

: calcifugo

Many heather species are calcifugous and will not grow well in alkaline soils.

Examples

Blueberries are an example of a calcifugous crop that prefers acidic soil conditions.
The calcifugous plants in the garden thrive in acidic conditions.
Gardeners often choose calcifugous plants for areas with high rainfall and acidic ground.
Many calcifugous species are found in forested areas.
Blueberries are an example of a calcifugous crop that prefers acidic soil conditions.
Many heather species are calcifugous and will not grow well in alkaline soils.
Gardeners often choose calcifugous plants for areas with high rainfall and acidic ground.

Antonyms

calcicolous

Specialized

9.9

Growing in soil that is rich in limestone or chalk

Surface Forms

calcifugous positive

Morphology

calcifugous = calcifuge (opaque) = calci + fug + ous

Formed from specialized Latin combining forms (calci- + fug-) via the English adjective calcifuge + -ous; the formation is technical and not readily deducible by an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Calcifugous breaks into calci- meaning 'lime' or 'calcium', as in calcium, and -fugous meaning 'to flee' or 'avoid', as in fugitive, someone who runs away. So a calcifugous plant 'avoids lime' and prefers acidic soil rather than lime-rich ground.