salsilla
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. A tropical vine (Bomarea salsilla or related species) characterized by its showy flowers and tuberous roots. The roots of some species are edible and have been used as a potato substitute. * Specifically, it refers to either of two similar vines: a. A vine with pink-and-yellow flowers spotted with purple, native from the West Indies to northern South America. b. A vine with clusters (umbels) of small purple flowers, native to Colombia.
Usage Examples
- The salsilla is cultivated in some regions for its ornamental value.
- In times of scarcity, the starchy roots of the salsilla were boiled and eaten.
- Botanists studied the difference between the purple-flowered salsilla of Colombia and the more widely distributed variety.
Advanced Usage
- The term is used primarily in botanical, horticultural, or ethnobotanical contexts to refer to these specific climbing plants.
Variants and Related Words
- Bomarea: The genus to which the salsilla belongs.
- Alstroemeriaceae: The plant family (the alstroemeria or Inca lily family) that includes the genus.
Synonyms
- There is no common, widespread synonym. It may be referred to descriptively as a "tropical Bomarea vine" or, in specific contexts, by its botanical name.
Notes on Different Meanings
- The word salsilla refers specifically to these plants and does not have other common meanings in general English usage.
Noun
- tropical vine having pink-and-yellow flowers spotted purple and edible roots sometimes boiled as a potato substitute; West Indies to northern South America
- tropical vine having umbels of small purple flowers and edible roots sometimes boiled as a potato substitute; Colombia