Agalinis

/æɡəˈlaɪnɪs/ noun

Definition

A genus of herbaceous plants in the broomrape family, commonly called false foxgloves or gerardia, found in North and South America.

Etymology

Modern scientific Latin, origin of the root uncertain but possibly derived from Greek elements. The genus name was established by botanists to classify these flowering plants.

Kelly Says

Agalinis plants are semi-parasitic — they have their own photosynthetic ability but also steal nutrients from the roots of neighboring plants! Some species are becoming rare as wetlands disappear, making them important conservation indicators of ecosystem health.

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