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Glite Dictionary
genus Colocasia

genus Colocasia

9.5
A small group of tropical plants like taro with edible starchy roots
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs kəˈloʊkeɪʒə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Colocasia
  • The taro plant, a member of genus Colocasia, is widely cultivated for food.

Examples

  • Many dishes in Southeast Asia are made from the starchy corms of genus Colocasia.

  • Many farmers cultivate genus Colocasia for its edible tubers.

  • Botanists studied several species within genus Colocasia to understand their diversity.

  • The genus Colocasia includes several important food crops.

  • Many dishes in Southeast Asia are made from the starchy corms of genus Colocasia.

  • The taro plant, a member of genus Colocasia, is widely cultivated for food.

  • Botanists studied several species within genus Colocasia to understand their diversity.

Synonyms

Colocasia
vsgenus Colocasia
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of tropical plants that includes the taro plant

uses a more formal scientific label focusing on tuberous plants rather than phrasing

Surface Forms

genus Colocasia singular
genera Colocasia plural

Morphology

genus + Colocasia

The phrase is compositionally transparent: 'genus' names a biological rank and 'Colocasia' is the taxonomic name, so together they refer to the Colocasia genus of plants. This follows standard scientific naming conventions common across languages, so a learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Genus Colocasia likely comes from an old Greek word for the starchy root people ate, creating a strong image of the edible tuber. That's why the name refers to the small group of plants that includes 'taro'.