genus Gliricidia
- noun
- Specialized
- Members of the genus Gliricidia are known for their rapid growth and abundant pink blossoms.
Examples
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The genus Gliricidia includes species that improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen.
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Farmers in Central America often plant genus Gliricidia trees to provide shade for crops.
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The genus Gliricidia includes several species of flowering trees.
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Many gardeners appreciate the beauty of genus Gliricidia.
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Farmers in Central America often plant genus Gliricidia trees to provide shade for their crops.
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The genus Gliricidia is admired for its vibrant pink flowers that attract pollinators.
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Many gardeners cultivate genus Gliricidia in their yards for its ornamental appeal and ease of care.
Synonyms
A small tropical tree with dark wood, pink flowers, and poisonous parts
Surface Forms
Morphology
This is a straightforward taxonomic composition: 'genus' (a biological rank grouping related species) combined with the plant name 'Gliricidia' yields 'the genus called Gliricidia' or the group of species named Gliricidia. Taxonomic noun phrases are highly compositional and cross-linguistically regular, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the meaning.
Etymology
Genus Gliricidia may come from old Latin words: gliri meaning 'dormouse' and cidia meaning 'killer'. People once used parts of these trees to control mice and other pests, so the name gives the picture of a 'mouse killer' and became the name for this group of trees.