Calcifugous

/kælˈsɪfjuːɡəs/ adjective

Definition

Having a strong aversion to or inability to tolerate calcium and lime in soil; describing plants that require acid conditions.

Etymology

From Latin 'calcis' (lime) + 'fugosus' (fleeing or avoiding extensively). A more technical variant of 'calcifugal,' used primarily in botanical and ecological literature.

Kelly Says

Calcifugous plants reveal nature's incredible pickiness—some species have evolved such specific soil chemistry requirements that they literally cannot absorb nutrients when calcium is present, even though calcium is essential elsewhere in nature.

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