oxytropis
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A genus of flowering plants: Oxytropis is a large and widely distributed genus of perennial herbaceous plants or low shrubs in the legume family (Fabaceae). They are characterized by having odd-pinnate leaves (a leaf with a central axis and an odd number of leaflets) and flowers arranged in racemes or spikes. Each flower has a distinct pea-like structure with a keel petal that is typically elongated into a pointed beak or "claw."
Usage Notes
- The word is a scientific genus name. It is always capitalized and is typically used in botanical, ecological, or horticultural contexts.
- It is often followed by a species name to identify a specific plant (e.g., , ).
- In common language, plants in this genus are frequently referred to as "locoweeds" (especially in North America), due to the toxic effects some species have on livestock that consume them.
Examples
Scientific Context:
- The genus Oxytropis contains over 300 accepted species.
- Several species of Oxytropis are known to accumulate selenium from the soil.
- The researcher identified the plant as Oxytropis sericea based on its hairy pods and flower structure.
General/Ecological Context:
- Cattle grazing in the pasture should be monitored for consumption of Oxytropis.
- The purple flowers of the Oxytropis added a splash of color to the alpine meadow.
Advanced Usage
- Taxonomic Hierarchy: In scientific classification, is placed within the family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae (or Papilionoideae), and tribe Galegeae. Its close relatives include the genera (milkvetches) and (licorice).
Variants and Related Words
- Locoweed (n.): A common name for various toxic plants in the genera and that cause "locoism" (neurological poisoning) in animals.
- Crazyweed (n.): Another common name for species, synonymous with "locoweed."
- Point-vetch: A less common name sometimes used for , referring to the pointed keel of the flower.
Synonyms
- Locoweed (common name, but note: this term can also refer to species)
- Crazyweed (common name)
Related Terms (Not Synonyms)
- Astragalus (n.): A closely related genus in the same plant family, often similar in appearance and also containing species called locoweeds.
- Fabaceae (n.): The legume or pea family, to which belongs.
- Pea flower (n.): A description of the flower shape characteristic of the family Fabaceae, which includes a banner, wings, and a keel.
Noun
- large widely-distributed genus of evergreen shrubs or subshrubs having odd-pinnate leaves and racemose or spicate flowers each having a pea-like corolla with a clawed petal