catananche

noun cat·a·nan·che \ ˌkatəˈnaŋ(ˌ)kē \

Definition of catananche

1 capitalized : a genus of Mediterranean herbs (family Compositae) having linear or lanceolate leaves crowded toward the base of the stem and ligulate blue or yellow flowers in long-stalked heads

2 plural -s : a plant of the genus Catananche

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Origin and Etymology of catananche

New Latin, modification of Latin catanance, plant used in love potions, from Greek katanankē, literally, means of compulsion, from kata- cata- + -anankē force, compulsion