genus Clethra
- noun
- /ˈdʒɛnəs ˈklɛθrə/
- Specialized
- One notable species within the genus Clethra is Clethra alnifolia, valued for its fragrant flowers.
Examples
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The genus Clethra includes plants commonly known as summersweet and white alder.
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Botanists recently discovered a new population belonging to the genus Clethra in the region.
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The genus Clethra includes various species of shrubs.
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Many gardeners appreciate the genus Clethra for its fragrant flowers.
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One notable species within the genus Clethra is Clethra alnifolia, valued for its fragrant flowers.
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Many gardeners appreciate the genus Clethra for its fragrant flowers.
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The genus Clethra includes plants commonly known as summersweet and white alder.
Synonyms
A small tree or bush with sweet white flowers that grows well in wet, shady places
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a straightforward taxonomic label combining the biological rank 'genus' with the plant name 'Clethra', so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to the genus named Clethra (a group of shrubs/small trees). Taxonomic noun + name constructions are compositional and common across languages, making the meaning directly derivable from the constituents.
Etymology
Genus Clethra combines genus (a name for a group of similar plants) and Clethra (the name given to a group of sweet‑flowering shrubs). That's why it refers to the group of small trees and shrubs known as 'summersweet' or 'white alder'.