Introduction to the Catalogue:
In the vast natural world, plants, with their unique shapes, colors, and vitality, have brought endless surprises to human life. Throughout the long river of history, many plants have been given rich aliases. These aliases not only reflect people's love and respect for plants but also embody rich cultural connotations. Let's unveil the mysteries of plant aliases and explore the known and unknown names of plants.
Origin of Plant Aliases
Plant aliases, as the name implies, refer to the names given to plants in addition to their scientific names, for the convenience of memory, dissemination, or expressing certain emotions. These aliases come from diverse sources, some from the morphological characteristics of plants, others from folk legends, and some from the plants' growing environments.
1. Morphological Characteristics
Many plant aliases are related to their morphological characteristics. The lotus flower is called "lotus" because its petals are as clean and white as a lotus; bamboo is called "bamboo" because its stem is upright with distinct internodes, similar to a bamboo tube.
2. Folk Legends
Some plant aliases originate from folk legends. The peach tree is called "fairy peach" as it is believed to be a magical fruit given by immortals to mortals; chrysanthemum is called "autumn chrysanthemum" because it blooms during the clear and crisp autumn weather.
3. Growing Environment
Some plant aliases are closely related to their growing environments. Plants growing in deserts are called "desert plants," and those growing on high mountains are called "high-mountain plants."
Common Plant Aliases
1. Lotus
Aliases: Lotus, Water Lily, Fairy of the Lotus
The lotus, also known as the water lily, is an outstanding aquatic plant. It has many aliases, with "Fairy of the Lotus" symbolizing its beauty and mystery.
2. Bamboo
Aliases: Bamboo, Bamboo Shoot, Bamboo Leaf
Bamboo, evergreen throughout the seasons, symbolizes resilience. Its aliases, such as "bamboo," "bamboo shoot," and "bamboo leaf," are all related to its growth process.
3. Chrysanthemum
Aliases: Chrysanthemum, Autumn Chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum Fairy
Chrysanthemum, with a variety of colors and a long blooming period, is known as one of the "Four Gentlemen of Flowers." Its aliases, such as "chrysanthemum," "autumn chrysanthemum," and "chrysanthemum fairy," are all related to its flower shape and blooming period.
4. Peach Tree
Aliases: Peach Tree, Fairy Peach, Peach Blossom
The peach tree, with its sweet fruit, symbolizes auspiciousness and longevity. Its aliases, such as "peach tree," "fairy peach," and "peach blossom," are all related to its fruit and flower color.
Functions of Plant Aliases
1. Easy to Remember
Plant aliases are concise and easy to remember, helping people quickly identify and remember plants.
2. Enrich Culture
Plant aliases embody rich cultural connotations, reflecting people's love and respect for plants.
3. Promote Communication
Plant aliases help facilitate communication between different regions and ethnic groups.
Plant aliases are a unique landscape in nature. Understanding plant aliases not only allows us to get closer to nature but also enriches our cultural heritage. In the days to come, let's step into the world of plants and explore the less-known mysteries of aliases.