Paul wrote: " they say that the word is ancient greek, derived from "Geo" (Earth) + "Phyte" (plant).... " Paul, I mean this fondly, not maliciously: no, Paul, that is not a help. If the Greek word geo means Earth, then wouldn't all plants which grow on the planet Earth be geophytes? I don't think that's where we want to be with this. Also, I don't think the word geophyte is ancient Greek. It's a modern word cobbled together from Greek roots or stems. Jim McKenney