fig marigold: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowtechnical/horticultural
Quick answer
What does “fig marigold” mean?
A plant of the genus Mesembryanthemum, native to South Africa, with succulent leaves and daisy-like flowers that often open in sunlight.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A plant of the genus Mesembryanthemum, native to South Africa, with succulent leaves and daisy-like flowers that often open in sunlight.
A low-growing ornamental plant, often used as ground cover in warm, dry climates, or in succulent gardens and rockeries for its bright flowers and drought tolerance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant dialectal difference in use; both use the same botanical term.
Connotations
Neutral, descriptive botanical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both; known mainly to gardeners and botanists.
Grammar
How to Use “fig marigold” in a Sentence
The fig marigold (verb: blooms/flourishes/thrives) in sandy soil.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fig marigold” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The fig-marigold display was spectacular.
American English
- A fig-marigold variety is best for xeriscaping.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; possibly in horticultural trade.
Academic
Used in botanical texts and plant taxonomy.
Everyday
Very rare; mostly among gardening enthusiasts.
Technical
Common in horticulture, botany, and landscape design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fig marigold”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fig marigold”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fig marigold”
- Mistaking it for true marigolds (Tagetes) or edible figs.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the 'fig' refers to the shape of its seed capsule, not a relationship to the fruit tree.
It is not typically grown as a food crop; some species may be edible but it is primarily ornamental.
Because its leaves often have glistening, ice-like bladder cells that reflect sunlight.
Southern Africa, particularly South Africa and Namibia.
A plant of the genus Mesembryanthemum, native to South Africa, with succulent leaves and daisy-like flowers that often open in sunlight.
Fig marigold is usually technical/horticultural in register.
Fig marigold: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɪɡ ˈmærɪɡəʊld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɪɡ ˈmærəˌɡoʊld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms use this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a marigold that stores water like a succulent fig leaf.
Conceptual Metaphor
Resilience in harsh conditions (due to its drought tolerance).
Practice
Quiz
In which climate is a fig marigold most likely to thrive?