Definition

Noun: 1. A plant of the genus Spathiphyllum: Any of various tropical, evergreen perennial plants characterized by producing a white or greenish leaf-like bract (the spathe) surrounding a central spike of small, often fragrant flowers. These plants are commonly grown indoors as ornamental houseplants.

Usage

• The term "spathe flower" is used to refer collectively to plants in the genus. It describes the plant's most distinctive botanical feature: its flower structure, which consists of a spathe and spadix.
• It is often used in horticultural and botanical contexts.
• Example: "The spathe flower on the windowsill is thriving in the indirect light."

Examples

• "She received a beautiful spathe flower as a gift; its pure white blooms brightened the room."
• "In the greenhouse, the spathe flower is valued for its ability to purify indoor air."
• "Botanists study the spathe flower for its unique inflorescence structure."

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metonymically to refer to the flowering part of the plant itself.
  • Example: "The pure white spathe flower emerged from the dark green foliage."

Variants and Related Words

• Peace Lily: The most common name for plants in the genus, especially . This name refers to the same plant as "spathe flower."
• Spathe: The large, often showy bract that encloses or accompanies the flower cluster (spadix) in plants like the , arum, and calla lily.
• Spathiphyllum: The scientific genus name for the spathe flower.

Synonyms

• Peace lily
• (scientific name)

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is botanical, referring to a specific genus of flowering plants. Its common cultivation as a houseplant is a secondary, associated meaning.
• The name directly describes the plant's morphology: a flower () associated with a spathe ().

Noun

1. any of various plants of the genus Spathiphyllum having a white or green spathe and a spike of fragrant flowers and often cultivated as an ornamental