ClimateAugust 18, 2026
endemic
en-DEM-ik
Definition
Refers to a plant or animal species that is native to and found naturally only within a specific, restricted geographic area or region.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek 'endēmos,' meaning 'in the people' or 'native,' formed by combining 'en-' (in) and 'dēmos' (people). It entered English in the 17th century, originally used in medical contexts to describe diseases restricted to a particular region before being applied to ecology.
In the news
The article uses the term to highlight that some plants selected for garden recommendations were prioritized because they are unique to a specific local area, making them particularly valuable for regional conservation.
Column | See which native plants will thrive in your garden
Read the full article ↗The Washington Post