Re: Phooey Phygelius
- To: <m*@ucdavis.edu>
- Subject: Re: Phooey Phygelius
- From: J* M* T* <j*@clara.co.uk>
- Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 12:40:08 +0100
Jan Smithen quoted several origins for the meaning of Phygelius. The one
she quotes as coming---- from the Greek "phyge"
meaning flight or avoidance, referring to the fact it has escaped
botanical study for so long. ---- was made by none other than Sir William
Jackson Hooker, the first official Director of Kew. (correct quote made in
1855 from William Stearn is "in consequence of its having so long escaped
the researches of botanists".
My money would be on that definition, on account of the authority and the
date..
Jim Mann Taylor
