How Do You Spell CLETHRA ALNIFOLIA?

Pronunciation: [klˈɛθɹəɹ ɐlnɪfˈə͡ʊli͡ə] (IPA)

Clethra Alnifolia is a beautiful plant, commonly known as the sweet pepperbush, that has a unique spelling. The first part of the name - Clethra - is pronounced /ˈkliːθrə/ using the IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the first syllable. The second part of the name - Alnifolia - is pronounced /ælˈnɪfəliə/, with the stress on the third syllable. The spelling of this word reflects the scientific classification system used to identify and name different species of flora and fauna.

CLETHRA ALNIFOLIA Meaning and Definition

1. Clethra alnifolia, commonly known as the Sweet Pepperbush, is a flowering shrub species that belongs to the family Clethraceae. Native to eastern North America, Clethra alnifolia is typically found in moist to wet habitats, such as swamps, marshes, and riverbanks. It is a deciduous shrub that can reach heights of up to 6-12 feet, with a slightly spreading, multi-stemmed growth habit.

   The leaves of Clethra alnifolia are alternate, simple, and ovate in shape, resembling those of the alder (Alnus) tree, which is where the specific epithet "alnifolia" is derived. The foliage is dark green and glossy, turning yellow or golden in the fall. The shrub produces small, fragrant, and creamy white flowers in dense terminal racemes that resemble bottlebrushes. These flowers attract various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

   Following pollination, Clethra alnifolia develops small brown capsules containing numerous tiny seeds. The fruit persists through winter, providing a source of food for birds and small mammals. The plant spreads through both seeds and suckering, forming dense colonies over time.

   Clethra alnifolia is often appreciated for its ornamental value due to its attractive flowers, sweet fragrance, and vibrant fall foliage. It is frequently cultivated in gardens and landscaping projects, especially in moist or wet areas. The shrub also serves important ecological roles, contributing to wetland ecosystems, providing habitat and food for wildlife, and helping with erosion control.

Common Misspellings for CLETHRA ALNIFOLIA

• xlethra alnifolia
• vlethra alnifolia
• flethra alnifolia
• dlethra alnifolia
• ckethra alnifolia
• cpethra alnifolia
• coethra alnifolia
• clwthra alnifolia
• clsthra alnifolia
• cldthra alnifolia
• clrthra alnifolia
• cl4thra alnifolia
• cl3thra alnifolia
• clerhra alnifolia
• clefhra alnifolia
• cleghra alnifolia
• cleyhra alnifolia
• cle6hra alnifolia
• cle5hra alnifolia

Etymology of CLETHRA ALNIFOLIA

The word "Clethra" comes from the Greek word "klethra", which means "a kind of alder". "Alnifolia" is derived from the Latin words "alnus", meaning "alder", and "folium", which means "leaf". Therefore, "Clethra alnifolia" can be translated as "alder-like Clethra", referring to the plant's resemblance to the alder tree and its type of leaves.