Lupinus

views updated Jun 27 2018

Lupinus (lupin; family Leguminosae, subfamily Papilionatae) A genus mostly of herbs (a few of which are shrubby) that have palmately compound leaves and erect, terminal, leafless racemes of showy flowers. Lupins are much cultivated in gardens and some are used for cattle fodder. There are some 200 species, mostly in N. America, but a few are native in Europe.

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences MICHAEL ALLABY

lupine

views updated Jun 11 2018

lu·pine1 / ˈloōpin/ • n. a plant (genus Lupinus) of the pea family, with deeply divided leaves and tall, colorful, tapering spikes of flowers.lu·pine2 / ˈloōˌpīn/ • adj. of, like, or relating to a wolf or wolves. ∎  fierce or ravenous as a wolf.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

lupin

views updated May 29 2018

lupin Any annual and perennial plants of the genus Lupinus, in the pea family. They have star-shaped compound leaves and tall showy spikes of flowers. Height: to 2.4m (8ft). Family Fabaceae/Leguminosae.

World Encyclopedia

lupin

views updated May 29 2018

lupin XIV. — L. lupīnus, -um, prob. rel. to lupus WOLF.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

lupin

views updated May 21 2018

lupin See LUPINUS.

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences MICHAEL ALLABY

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Lupines

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