Definition

Noun 1. A species of flowering plant: Samolus valerandii is the scientific (Latin) name for a specific species of small, herbaceous plant commonly known as water pimpernel. It is typically found in wet habitats across a broad geographical range.

Usage Notes

• This term is a proper noun, specifically a binomial name in biological taxonomy. It is always written in italics (or underlined when italics are unavailable). The first part () is the genus name and is capitalized; the second part () is the specific epithet and is written in lowercase.
• It is used in formal, scientific contexts such as botany, ecology, and horticulture. In everyday conversation, the common name "water pimpernel" is more frequently used.

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The wetland survey recorded several specimens of Samolus valerandii.
  • Samolus valerandii is characterized by its small white flowers and preference for muddy soils.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Classification: The full classification places the species within a hierarchy: Kingdom (Plantae), Order (Ericales), Family (Primulaceae), Genus (), Species (). The abbreviation can be used after the full name has been introduced in a text.

Variants and Related Words

• Water pimpernel: The common English name for .
• Brookweed: Another common name sometimes used for plants in the genus.
• Samolus: The genus name, which includes other related species like .

Synonyms

• Water pimpernel (primary common name synonym)

Noun

1. water pimpernel of Europe to China