COLLINSIA HETEROPHYLLA Meaning and
Definition
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Collinsia heterophylla, commonly known as blue-eyed Mary, is a species of flowering plant in the Plantaginaceae family. It is native to western North America, particularly California, Oregon, and Washington.
Blue-eyed Mary is a delicate annual herb that typically grows up to 30 centimeters tall. It has opposite leaves with a variable appearance, hence its scientific name "heterophylla" (meaning "different leaves"). The leaves can vary in shape, ranging from lanceolate to elliptic or oblanceolate, and they are green and often covered in fine hairs.
The plant produces beautiful tubular flowers that are typically blue in color, hence the common name "blue-eyed Mary." The flowers are arranged in dense clusters along a spike-like inflorescence, which arises from the leaf axils. Each flower has a lower lip with a white or yellow spot at its base, surrounded by dark violet-blue petals. The upper petal forms an arched hood that encloses the reproductive parts of the flower.
Blue-eyed Mary often occurs in valley grasslands, coastal prairie, and open woodlands, where it prefers moist and shady conditions. It is often found in areas with rich, well-draining soil. The plant is known for attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and other insects, which help in its reproduction through cross-pollination. The plant may also self-seed, ensuring its presence in subsequent years. Blue-eyed Mary is considered a valuable addition to native wildflower gardens, as it provides both beauty and ecological benefits.
Common Misspellings for COLLINSIA HETEROPHYLLA
- xollinsia heterophylla
- vollinsia heterophylla
- follinsia heterophylla
- dollinsia heterophylla
- cillinsia heterophylla
- ckllinsia heterophylla
- clllinsia heterophylla
- cpllinsia heterophylla
- c0llinsia heterophylla
- c9llinsia heterophylla
- coklinsia heterophylla
- coplinsia heterophylla
- coolinsia heterophylla
- colkinsia heterophylla
- colpinsia heterophylla
- coloinsia heterophylla
- collunsia heterophylla
- colljnsia heterophylla
- collknsia heterophylla
Etymology of COLLINSIA HETEROPHYLLA
The word Collinsia comes from the surname of Zaccheus Collins, an American botanist of the 18th century who made significant contributions to the study of North American plants. The term heterophylla is derived from the Greek words hetero meaning different and phyllon meaning leaf, referring to the plant's characteristic of having leaves of various shapes. Therefore, Collinsia heterophylla can be translated as heterophyllous plant of Collins.
