LUPINUS PILOSUS Meaning and
Definition
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Lupinus pilosus, commonly known as hairy lupine, is a species of flowering plant in the legume family, Fabaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region, particularly found in countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
The hairy lupine is a herbaceous perennial plant that typically grows to a height of about 1 to 1.5 meters. It has a robust and erect stem, covered with dense, glandular hairs giving it a hairy appearance. The plant's leaves are palmately compound, with five to seven leaflets, and they too are covered in short, soft hairs. The leaflets are oblong-shaped and have a dark green color.
One of the distinguishing features of Lupinus pilosus is its vibrant flowers. These blossoms grow in elongated clusters at the top of the stem, displaying a range of colors including shades of pink, purple, and blue. Each flower is characterized by a distinct banner, wings, and keel petal formation, typical of the legume family. These attractive flowers serve as a valuable food source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, aiding in the plant's reproductive process.
Like other lupines, Lupinus pilosus has nitrogen-fixing capabilities due to its symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria. This characteristic allows the plant to improve soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants. Thus, it plays a crucial role in enriching the soil and promoting ecological balance.
In summary, Lupinus pilosus is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region, known for its tall stature, palmately compound leaves, hairy stems, and vibrant flowers.
Etymology of LUPINUS PILOSUS
The word "Lupinus pilosus" is not a single word but a binomial scientific name consisting of two words: a genus name (Lupinus) and a species name (pilosus).
The etymology of "Lupinus" can be traced back to the Latin word "lupus", which means "wolf". It is believed that the name was given due to the ancient belief that plants of the Lupinus genus depleted the soil of nutrients. This belief made people associate the plant with the destructive nature of wolves, hence the name Lupinus.
The word "pilosus" is derived from the Latin word "pilus", meaning "hair". "Pilosus" is used in botanical naming to describe plants that have hairy or pilose characteristics, such as having hairy stems or leaves.
