catananche

noun

cat·a·nan·che

ˌkatəˈnaŋ(ˌ)kē

capitalized : a genus of Mediterranean herbs (family Compositae) having linear or lanceolate leaves crowded toward the base of the stem and ligulate blue or yellow flowers in long-stalked heads

plural -s : a plant of the genus Catananche

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, modification of Latin catanance, plant used in love potions, from Greek katanankē, literally, means of compulsion, from kata- cata- + -anankē force, compulsion