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Fistulosus

/fis-tyoo-LOH-sus/
🏷️ Taxonomy●● Intermediate

Also known as: fistulosa, fistulosum

A morphological epithet describing a plant with a hollow stem — like a pipe or fistula. Hollow stems are common in the carrot family and in many grasses, and may be an adaptation reducing the cost of building a tall stem. Appears as fistulosus (masculine), fistulosa (feminine), or fistulosum (neuter).

Etymology

From Latin fistulosus, meaning "pipe-like" or "full of holes," from fistula (a pipe, tube, reed).

Example

Allium fistulosum (Welsh onion) has the hollow, pipe-like green leaves and stems that give it its epithet, and Ferula fistulosa produces the enormous hollow-stemmed inflorescences the name implies.