plant that's hard to find crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're struggling with the clue "plant that's hard to find crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We've compiled the most common and accurate solutions to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "plant that's hard to find crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
RAMP: Also known as wild leek or wild garlic, this plant is notoriously hard to find in specific, untouched forest areas, prized for its rarity and seasonal availability.
7 Letters
WOLFFIA: The smallest flowering plant in the world, often referred to as watermeal, which is incredibly hard to find due to its minuscule size, barely larger than a grain of sand.
11 Letters
GHOSTORCHID: An extremely rare and elusive plant, known for its specific habitat requirements and difficulty to spot in the wild, often camouflaged by its environment.
More About "plant that's hard to find crossword clue"
The concept of a "plant that's hard to find" can encompass a wide range of botanical specimens, from incredibly rare species with limited habitats to common plants that are simply well-camouflaged or grow in obscure locations. Crossword puzzles often leverage this ambiguity, pointing towards plants that are either scientifically unique, culturally significant for their elusiveness, or physically difficult to spot.
For instance, the Ghost Orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) is a classic example. Found primarily in the cypress swamps of Florida, it's not only rare but its leafless structure and pale, spider-like flowers make it blend seamlessly into the moss and bark of its host trees, truly living up to its 'ghostly' name. Similarly, the wild leek or RAMP is sought after by foragers for its distinctive flavor but grows only in specific woodland conditions and for a short season, making its discovery a prized event.
Understanding these nuances can help in future puzzles. Consider the plant's natural habitat, its size, its flowering habits, and any folklore or common knowledge associated with its rarity. Sometimes, the answer might even refer to a plant that's hard to cultivate or propagate, adding another layer to the clue's interpretation.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Rarity and Habitat: Think about plants known for their extreme rarity, specific environmental needs, or those found only in remote or protected areas.
- Think Small or Camouflaged: Sometimes "hard to find" refers to a plant's physical attributes, such as its minuscule size (like Wolffia) or its ability to blend into its surroundings (like the Ghost Orchid).
- Look for Cultural/Edible Significance: Certain plants are hard to find because they are wild edibles prized by foragers, requiring specific knowledge of their growing conditions and locations (e.g., truffles, ramps).
- Match Letter Count Carefully: Always use the given letter count in the puzzle grid as your primary filter. Our solutions are grouped by length for this exact reason!
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some plants considered 'hard to find'?
Plants can be hard to find for various reasons including natural rarity, specific and limited habitat requirements, small or camouflaged appearance, or due to over-harvesting. The Ghost Orchid, for instance, blends seamlessly into its surroundings, making it incredibly elusive.
What is the smallest plant in the world and why is it hard to find?
The smallest flowering plant in the world is Wolffia, often called watermeal. It's hard to find precisely because of its size; individual plants are no bigger than a grain of sand, floating on water surfaces and easily overlooked.
How can I improve my chances of finding answers for rare plant clues in crosswords?
When encountering clues about rare or hard-to-find plants, consider common crossword themes like specific types of orchids, unique fungi (often broadly classified in 'plant' clues), or plants known for their size extremes (smallest/largest) or peculiar habits. Always match the clue with the given letter count, and think about plants with distinctive names.