A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over

The Secret Lives of Flowers (minicast)

Aug 1, 2007
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INSIGHT

Gladiolas Named For Swords

  • Gladiolas gets its name from Latin gladius meaning sword, not from being 'glad' when it blooms.
  • The name refers to the plant's long pointed leaves and connects linguistically to gladiator via the same root.
INSIGHT

Linnaeus Invented Modern Scientific Names

  • Carolus Linnaeus, born 300 years ago, created the binomial nomenclature system using Latin and Greek names.
  • His classification method remains foundational for naming plants and animals in scientific taxonomy.
INSIGHT

Linnaeus Described Plant Reproduction As Nuptial

  • Linnaeus embraced the then-new idea that plants reproduce sexually and described pollination in sensual terms.
  • He likened insects mating with flowers to nuptials, arguing pollination is like plants experiencing love.
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