Definition

Noun 1. A genus of ferns: A taxonomic genus within the family Lophosoriaceae, containing a single recognized species of large, tree-like fern native to the mountainous regions of Central and South America.

Usage

• The term lophosoria is used specifically in botanical and scientific contexts to refer to this distinct genus of ferns.
• It is a proper noun and is typically capitalized when referring to the genus name: .
• Example: "The fossil record suggests that the genus Lophosoria was once more widespread."

Examples

• "The humid montane forests are home to the distinctive fern, Lophosoria."
• "Botanists studied the spore morphology of Lophosoria to understand its evolutionary history."
• "Lophosoria quadripinnata is the sole surviving species of this ancient lineage."

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic classification, the name is used in a binomial (two-part) format to specify the species: .
• The genus name can be used adjectivally to describe characteristics: "the lophosoria frond" or "Lophosoria-type sori."

Variants and Related Words

• Lophosoriaceae (noun): The plant family to which the genus belongs.
• Lophosoria quadripinnata (noun): The full scientific name for the single living species, commonly known as a tree fern.

Synonyms

• Tree fern (general common name for the species , though this term applies to other genera as well).

Notes on Meaning

The word lophosoria has a single, precise meaning in scientific botany. It does not have idiomatic or phrasal verb uses. Its primary use is as a proper noun for a specific genus of plants.

Noun

1. one species: tree fern of Central and South America