Crucigerous

/kruːˈsɪdʒərəs/ adjective

Definition

Botanical term describing plants that have four petals arranged in a cross pattern, like mustard and cabbage plants.

Etymology

From Latin 'crux' (cross) and '-gerous' (bearing or producing), meaning 'cross-bearing,' used in botanical classification for the family Brassicaceae.

Kelly Says

The cabbage, broccoli, and mustard you eat for lunch all belong to this plant family, and their four-petaled flowers are why botanists called them 'cross-bearers'!

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