mesembryanthemum

Thân thiện

The gardener waters the mesembryanthemum in the rock garden.

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.

Học thuật

Noun

1. South African annual or biennial plants having flowers that open only in bright sunlight

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Mesembryanthemum
• genus Mesembryanthemum