star tulip
Noun: A small, perennial herb (Calochortus monophyllus) native to specific regions of the northwestern United States. It is characterized by slender, often bending stems, and produces a few white, star-shaped flowers. The petals have a distinctive shape, often described as resembling a cat's ear.
The term "star tulip" is used specifically to refer to this particular species of flowering plant. It is a common name used in botany, horticulture, and field guides. - The hiker was delighted to spot a rare star tulip blooming in the meadow. - This guidebook lists the star tulip as a native species of the region.
The name "star tulip" is part of a larger genus, Calochortus, which includes many species often called "mariposa lilies" or "globe tulips." The specific epithet "monophyllus" refers to the plant having a single leaf. - Botanists study the star tulip to understand its adaptation to the dry, rocky soils of its habitat.
- Calochortus monophyllus: The scientific (Latin) name for the star tulip.
- Yellow Star Tulip (): A related species with yellow flowers.
- Mariposa Lily: A common name for other species within the same genus.
- Cat's ear tulip: A descriptive synonym referencing the petal shape.
- Single-leaf mariposa: A name referencing its single leaf.
"Star tulip" is a compound noun where "star" describes the shape of the flower and "tulip" is a common, though not botanically precise, name for its flower form. It does not refer to a true tulip (genus Tulipa). The definition is highly specific to this single plant species.
- small plant with slender bent stems bearing branched clusters of a few white star-shaped flowers with petals shaped like cat's ears; southeastern Washington and northeastern Oregon to Montana