Silene

/sɪˈliːn/ noun

Definition

a genus of flowering plants known for their pink or white flowers and often called catchfly or campion plants.

Etymology

From Latin 'Silene,' named after Silenus, a companion of the Roman god Bacchus in mythology. The plant name honors this mythological figure, as was common in botanical Latin naming.

Kelly Says

Silene plants are called 'catchfly' because they have sticky stems that actually trap insects—but despite the name, they don't digest them like Venus flytraps do, making it one of nature's fake-outs.

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