Brunnichia

/bruːˈnɪkiə/ noun

Definition

A genus of aquatic plants in the buckwheat family, native to North America, with heart-shaped leaves and small flowers.

Etymology

Named scientifically in honor of botanist Otto Brunning, following the Linnaean naming convention of 'ia' suffix for plant genera. It appears in 18th-century botanical literature from the American Southeast.

Kelly Says

Brunnichia's common name is 'tearthumb' because its stems have little backward-pointing bristles that catch on your clothes—but despite the name, these plants are actually crucial habitat for waterfowl and aquatic insects.

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