Definition

Noun * A specific flowering plant: Lathyrus splendens is the scientific name for a perennial shrub native to California, known for its showy pink or violet flowers. It is often grown for decorative purposes in gardens.

Usage Notes

• This is a proper noun referring to a specific botanical species. It is always written in italics in scientific contexts, with the genus () capitalized and the species epithet () in lowercase.
• In common usage, especially among gardeners, it may be referred to by a common name like "pride of California."

Examples

Advanced Usage

• In botanical taxonomy, belongs to the family Fabaceae (the legume family). The species name is Latin for "shining" or "glittering," describing its attractive flowers.

Variants and Related Words

• Common Name: Pride of California.
• Genus: (a genus containing many species of sweet peas and vetchlings).
• Cultivar: A cultivated variety of this species might have a name like 'Rosenkavalier'.

Synonyms

• Pride of California (common name).

Noun

1. shrubby California perennial having large pink or violet flowers; cultivated as an ornamental