Definition

Noun 1. A specific plant species: A common name for Soleirolia soleirolii (formerly Helxine soleirolii), a low-growing, mat-forming perennial herb. It is characterized by its very small, round, bright green leaves on delicate stems, giving it a soft, moss-like or carpet-like appearance. It is often used as a ground cover in shady, moist areas or grown as a houseplant.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The gardener planted baby's tears in the shaded corner to create a lush green carpet.
  • She keeps a pot of baby's tears on her desk because it thrives in low light.
  • The delicate foliage of baby's tears can be easily damaged by foot traffic.

Advanced Usage

• Horticultural Context: The name is used almost exclusively to refer to this specific plant species in gardening, landscaping, and botany. It is appreciated for its texture and ability to fill spaces.
  • For a fairy garden, baby's tears provides the perfect miniature landscape.

Variants and Related Words

• Mind-your-own-business: A common alternative name for the same plant ().
• Angel's tears: A less common synonym for the same plant.
• Corsican curse: Another name for the plant, referencing its origin and sometimes invasive growth habit in gardens.

Synonyms

• Soleirolia soleirolii: The botanical Latin name.
• Helxine soleirolii: A former botanical name.
• Irish moss (in some contexts): Note: This can cause confusion as "Irish moss" more accurately refers to , a different plant.

Notes on Meaning

• The term 'baby's tears' is a fixed common name for this plant. It is not typically interpreted literally as the tears cried by an infant, nor is it generally used in idiomatic expressions. Its meaning is almost entirely confined to the designation of this specific herb.

Noun

1. prostrate or creeping Corsican herb with moss-like small round short-stemmed leaves