Mesembryanthemum
Definition
Noun 1. A genus of flowering plants: "Mesembryanthemum" is the scientific name for a genus of succulent plants, primarily native to southern Africa. These plants are commonly known as ice plants or fig marigolds. A key characteristic is that their flowers typically open fully only in bright sunlight.
Usage Examples
- Noun (as a genus name):
- The garden featured a vibrant patch of Mesembryanthemum.
- Botanists study the drought-resistant properties of Mesembryanthemum.
- Several species of Mesembryanthemum are popular in rock gardens.
Advanced Usage
- In botanical/horticultural context: The word is used formally to refer to the genus as a whole or to specific species within it (e.g., ). In casual gardening contexts, the common names "ice plant" or "fig marigold" are more frequent.
- The taxonomy of Mesembryanthemum has been revised, with some species moved to other genera.
Variants and Related Words
- Mesembryanthemums (plural noun): The plural form, referring to multiple plants of this genus.
- The slope was covered in colorful mesembryanthemums.
- Mesemb (informal abbreviation): A shortened, informal term sometimes used by plant enthusiasts.
- Ice plant (common name): A widely used common name for many species, referring to the glistening, ice-like water cells on their leaves.
- Fig marigold (common name): Another common name for plants in this genus.
- Aizoaceae (noun): The botanical family to which the genus belongs.
Synonyms
- Ice plant (noun): The most common synonym in general usage.
- Fig marigold (noun): A less common but accepted synonym.
- Succulent (noun): A broader category describing plants with thick, water-storing tissues, which includes .
Related Idioms or Phrases
- (To be) a sun-worshipper: While not a direct idiom for the plant, this phrase aptly describes the characteristic of flowers, which open only in bright sun. It can be used figuratively for the plant.
- Like true sun-worshippers, the mesembryanthemums remained closed until midday.
Noun
-
South African annual or biennial plants having flowers that open only in bright sunlight
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