Definition

Noun: 1. A small tree native to Japan: Syringa reticulata is a species of flowering tree. Its defining characteristics include narrow, pointed leaves and clusters of fragrant, creamy-white flowers.

Usage Notes

• This is a scientific name (a binomial nomenclature) for a specific plant species. It is always written in italics. The first part () is the genus, and the second part () is the specific epithet.
• It is used in formal, academic, or horticultural contexts. In everyday gardening, it is more commonly known by its common name, Japanese tree lilac.

Examples

• The arboretum has a beautiful specimen of near the entrance.
• is prized for its showy, fragrant panicles of white flowers in early summer.
• Compared to common lilac shrubs, grows into a small, upright tree.

Advanced Usage

• The species epithet "" refers to the net-like (reticulate) pattern often visible on the mature bark of this tree.
• In botanical classification, it belongs to the genus and the family Oleaceae (the olive family).

Variants and Related Words

• Japanese tree lilac: The common name for .
• (noun): The genus name, which includes all lilac species.
• subsp. (noun): A subspecies, sometimes called the Peking tree lilac or Chinese tree lilac.

Synonyms

• Japanese tree lilac
• (In specific contexts) Japanese lilac tree

Different Meanings

• Note: The word "" alone can be ambiguous. While it is the genus for true lilacs, the common name "syringa" is sometimes incorrectly used for plants in the genus (mock orange). refers specifically to the tree lilac species from Japan.

Noun

1. small tree of Japan having narrow pointed leaves and creamy-white flowers