goodyera
goodyera Lexical Profile
• noun
A genus of terrestrial orchids belonging to the orchid family (Orchidaceae), widely distributed across the temperate forests of the Northern Hemisphere, known for basal rosettes of dark green leaves that are often distinctly mottled or netted with striking white or silver veins, and spikes of small, asymmetrical white or greenish flowers. Plants of this genus are commonly known as rattlesnake plantains.
"While hiking through the dense, shaded forests of the Appalachian Mountains, the biology students managed to spot a cluster of goodyera growing quietly in the rich leaf litter."
• Rhymes for goodyera
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Named in 1813 by Scottish botanist Robert Brown in honor of John Goodyer, a prominent 17th-century English botanist and translator.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.