houstonia

[hoo-stoh-nee-uh]

noun

1. any North American plant, belonging to the genus Houstonia, of the madder family, especially H. caerulea, the common bluet.

houstonia

/ huːˈstəʊnɪə /

noun

1. any small North American rubiaceous plant of the genus Houstonia, having blue, white, or purple flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of houstonia¹

1755–65; < New Latin, named after Dr. W. Houston (died 1733), British botanist; -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of houstonia¹

C19: named after Dr. William Houston (died 1733), Scottish botanist

Example Sentences

“The Houstonia loved it the first few years. It was phenomenal and breathtaking,” Bittner said.

From Seattle Times

It was good news for Tom Kreisel, who farms near tiny Houstonia, Missouri.

From Washington Times

Until Houstonia magazine trumpeted the story of David Skinner and Eculent restaurant earlier this year, neither had I. The headline was pure catnip for anyone who lives to eat: “One of the best restaurants in the world is in Kemah,” 45 minutes from downtown Houston.

From Washington Post

“It was devastating,” the organizers said in a statement provided to Houstonia magazine.

From Washington Times

Two years later, a similar ad in Houstonia magazine elicited letters expressing disgust about the featured biracial family.

From Salon