leucothoe
leucothoe Lexical Profile
• noun
Any of various evergreen or deciduous shrubs of the genus Leucothoe in the heath family (Ericaceae), native to Asia and the Americas, characterized by their ornamental leathery leaves and drooping clusters of small, bell-shaped white flowers.
"The landscaper recommended planting leucothoe along the shaded woodland border to provide year-round greenery and delicate spring blooms."
In Greek mythology, a mortal Babylonian princess who was loved by the sun god Apollo (Helios) and transformed into a frankincense tree after her father buried her alive.
"Ovid's classical poetry recounts the tragic tale of Leucothoe and how her death brought forth the sweet-smelling frankincense."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From New Latin (the plant genus), named after Leucothoë, a Babylonian princess in Greek mythology (from Ancient Greek Λευκοθόη). According to Ovid's Metamorphoses, she was loved by the sun god Apollo and transformed into a frankincense shrub after her death.
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