Understanding Today's Crossword Puzzle
In today's crossword puzzle, the clue is "Botanically, the most unusual palm on earth?" and the answer is "MAPLE". Let's break down why this clue has this answer:
- Botanically: This clue indicates that we are looking for a word related to plants or botany.
- The most unusual palm: The clue further specifies that we are searching for a type of palm, but not just any palm. It needs to be the "most unusual" one.
- On earth: This phrase emphasizes that the answer must be a palm that exists naturally on our planet.
Given these details, the answer "MAPLE" fits the clue perfectly. Now, you might be wondering how a maple tree can be linked to a palm. While maple trees are not classified as palms, they possess some unique characteristics that make them unconventional in the world of botany.
Here are a few key points:
- Distinctive Leaves: Maple trees have palmately lobed leaves, meaning the leaf veins radiate from a central point, resembling the shape of a palm.
- Sap: Maple trees produce sap, which is collected and processed to make maple syrup. This feature sets them apart from traditional palm trees, which do not produce sap used in the same way.
- Diversity: There are numerous species of maples found across the globe, showcasing the wide variety and adaptability of this unique tree.
Considering these characteristics, the answer "MAPLE" perfectly matches the given clue. It highlights the botanical peculiarity of maple trees and their distinction from typical palms. Crossword puzzles often challenge our linguistic skills by using clever wordplay and unconventional associations, and today's clue is a perfect example of that.
Definition of "MAPLE"
a tree or shrub with lobed leaves, winged fruits, and colourful autumn foliage, grown as an ornamental or for its timber or syrupy sap.
The Crossword clue "Botanically, the most unusual palm on earth?" published 1 time/s & has 1 answer/s.
Crossword | Date | Answer |
Evening Standard - Cryptic | 7 November 2018 | MAPLE |