Cneorum

/ˈniːərəm/ noun

Definition

A Mediterranean shrub with evergreen leaves and small flowers, sometimes used ornamentally in gardens.

Etymology

From Greek kneoron, an ancient plant name of uncertain origin. The term passed through Latin into modern botanical nomenclature, where it became the scientific genus name Cneorum.

Kelly Says

This obscure plant name shows how ancient Greek plant terminology got locked into scientific Latin—so a 2,000-year-old mystery plant name became immortal in biology textbooks!

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