Calceolaria

/kælsiːoʊˈlɛriə/ noun

Definition

A genus of ornamental plants with brightly colored, pouch-like flowers that resemble tiny slippers or purses.

Etymology

From Latin 'calceolus' (small shoe), derived from 'calceus' (shoe). Named for the distinctive slipper-shaped flowers that characterize the genus.

Kelly Says

These flowers literally look like someone stitched tiny velvet pouches and hung them on stems—Victorian gardeners were obsessed with them, and they were status symbols in fancy greenhouses!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.