genus ephedra

Thân thiện

A botanist examines a specimen of the genus Ephedra in a desert greenhouse.

Definition

Noun: 1. A taxonomic genus of plants: "Genus Ephedra" is the sole genus within the plant family Ephedraceae. It comprises a group of tropical and subtropical evergreen shrubs or creeping plants. These plants are native to arid, dry, and generally inhospitable regions.

Usage Notes

• "Genus Ephedra" is a formal, scientific term used in botany and taxonomy. It refers to the entire group of plants classified under this genus name.
• In common language, plants from this genus are often simply called "ephedra" or by common names like "joint-pine" or "Mormon tea."
• The term is typically used in academic, scientific, or horticultural contexts.

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The study focused on the evolutionary history of genus Ephedra.
  • Several species within genus Ephedra are known for their medicinal properties.
• Descriptive Context:
  • Botanists have cataloged numerous species belonging to genus Ephedra across the globe.

Advanced Usage

• "The genus Ephedra": This phrasing is often used to specify the taxonomic group in a definitive way.
  • The adaptation of the genus Ephedra to desert environments is remarkable.

Variants and Related Words

• Ephedra (n): The common name for plants of the genus Ephedra. This term is used more broadly outside strict scientific classification.
  • Some ephedra species contain the stimulant ephedrine.
• Ephedraceae (n): The plant family to which genus Ephedra belongs.
  • Ephedraceae is a small family of gymnosperms.

Synonyms

• Ephedra (when used to refer to the genus collectively)
• Joint-pines (common name for some species)

Different Meanings

• The word "genus" has a specific meaning in biology (a taxonomic rank), different from its general use meaning "a class or group." Here, it is part of a proper scientific name.
• "Ephedra" alone can refer to the genus, a specific plant, or material derived from it (e.g., an herbal supplement). "Genus Ephedra" is unambiguous and refers specifically to the taxonomic category.

Học thuật

Noun

1. type and sole genus of Ephedraceae: tropical and subtropical evergreen shrubby or creeping plants native to dry and inhospitable regions

Từ đồng nghĩa

• genus ephedra