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calcifuge Definition

cal·ci·fuge (kal′sə fyo̵̅o̅j′)

noun

a plant that grows in soils low in calcareous matter

Etymology: orig. adj., not growing in limy soil < Fr: see calci- & -fuge

calcifuge Related Forms

cal·cif′u·gous (kal sif′yo̵̅o̅ gəs) adjective

calcifuge Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • moss: In places, the ground flora is dominated by grasses, including wavy hair-grass Deschampsia flexuosa, and calcifuge mosses such as Rhytidiadelphus loreus.
  • plant: Since lime free soils are usually acidic, calcifuge plants may also be regarded as acidophilous.