Genus Castilleia (Noun)
Meaning
Genus of western North and South American perennials often partially parasitic on roots of grasses.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- Castilleja is a genus of western North and South American perennials often partially parasitic on roots of grasses and other plants.
- The flowers of Castilleja, often referred to as Indian paintbrush, have brightly colored bracts that attract pollinators in addition to their smaller yellow flowers.
- In arid environments, the plants in genus Castilleja use a unique parasitic relationship with grass roots to access water and vital nutrients.
- Ecologists studying the diverse ecosystems of North America rely heavily on the symbiotic parasitism found between genus Castilleja plants and those upon which they prey.
- Only specific species of grasses form necessary relationships with the genus Castilleja plants in order for the plants to thrive in nutrient-poor environments.