Gerardia

/dʒɛˈrɑr.di.ə/ noun

Definition

A genus of herbaceous plants in the figwort family, with small colorful flowers, native to North America and commonly called false foxglove or day-flower.

Etymology

Named after John Gerard (1545-1612), an English herbalist and botanist who created one of the first comprehensive plant catalogs. The Latin suffix '-ia' indicates a genus name.

Kelly Says

Many plant species are named after the botanists who discovered them—Gerard's name lives on in 'Gerardia,' meaning this 16th-century plant-lover is remembered every time a biologist identifies these pretty wildflowers.

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