Scaevola

views updated May 29 2018

Scaevola (family Goodeniaceae) A genus mostly of shrubby trees, with some herbs, in which the flowers are zygomorphic, with the corolla tube split to the base on the top side. The fruit is a berry. There are 130 species, occurring in the tropics and subtropics, and especially in Australia.

Scaevola

views updated May 23 2018

Scaevola (‘left-handed’), traditionally the name given to the legendary Roman hero Gaius Mucius, who is said to have saved Rome from the Etruscan king Lars Porsena, c.509 bc, during the attempt to restore the Tarquins to rule in Rome. Captured in the Etruscan camp while planning to kill Lars Porsena, and threatened with torture, Gaius Mucius showed his lack of fear by thrusting his right hand into the fire. The king, impressed by such fortitude, ordered his release.