Balanophoraceous

/ˌbæləˌnɑːfəˈreɪʃəs/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or belonging to the family Balanophoraceae; describing parasitic plants without chlorophyll.

Etymology

Derived from Balanophoraceae (the plant family) plus '-ous' (having the quality of). The adjective form allows description of the family's characteristics.

Kelly Says

Adding '-ous' to plant family names creates adjectives—like 'fabulous' comes from the Fabaceae bean family—it's a neat way scientists describe which family of plants something belongs to.

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