CLIFTONIA MONOPHYLLA Meaning and
Definition
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Cliftonia monophylla, also known as buckwheat tree or single-leaf cliftonia, is a species of flowering plant native to the southeastern United States. It belongs to the family Cyrillaceae and is characterized by its notable features and habitat.
A medium-sized evergreen tree, Cliftonia monophylla typically reaches 20 to 30 feet in height, with a slender and erect trunk. The bark is smooth and gray, while the leaves are glossy, lance-shaped, and leathery. As the common name suggests, this distinctive tree usually has only a single leaf per branch, a unique characteristic among most plants.
In terms of its distribution, Cliftonia monophylla thrives in moist, swampy forests and wetlands, particularly in areas of the coastal plain from North Carolina to northern Florida and westward to Louisiana and Texas. It prefers acidic soils and can tolerate both full sun and shade.
The buckwheat tree produces small, fragrant, and white bell-shaped flowers that bloom between March and May. These flowers are an important source of nectar for various pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Additionally, Cliftonia monophylla yields small, round black fruits that contain tiny seeds.
Due to its ornamental value and localized habitat, Cliftonia monophylla is often utilized in landscaping and garden designs. The tree's unique leaf structure and attractive flowers make it an appealing choice for enhancing natural areas or providing shade in specific garden settings.
Common Misspellings for CLIFTONIA MONOPHYLLA
- xliftonia monophylla
- vliftonia monophylla
- fliftonia monophylla
- dliftonia monophylla
- ckiftonia monophylla
- cpiftonia monophylla
- coiftonia monophylla
- cluftonia monophylla
- cljftonia monophylla
- clkftonia monophylla
- cloftonia monophylla
- cl9ftonia monophylla
- cl8ftonia monophylla
- clidtonia monophylla
- clictonia monophylla
- clivtonia monophylla
- cligtonia monophylla
- clittonia monophylla
- clirtonia monophylla
Etymology of CLIFTONIA MONOPHYLLA
The word "Cliftonia" is derived from the name of Captain Clifton Brown, an English botanist who accompanied the Scottish botanist William Bartram on his explorations in the southeastern United States in the 18th century. "Monophylla" is derived from the Greek words "mono", meaning "one", and "phyllon", meaning "leaf", referring to the plant's characteristic of having only one leaf. Therefore, "Cliftonia Monophylla" is a botanical name given to a plant with a single leaf in honor of Captain Clifton Brown.
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