Welcome back, fellow word warriors and cryptic connoisseurs! There’s nothing quite like the mental workout a really good crossword clue provides. It’s that blend of linguistic cunning, general knowledge, and sheer Eureka! moment that keeps us all coming back for more. This week, we’ve stumbled upon a particular gem that’s sure to get your grey matter buzzing:
“Evergreen plant taken from rows of alpines (7,6)“
.
Now, if you’re anything like me, your first instinct when confronted with a
crossword clue
like this is to break it down, piece by intricate piece. And trust me, this one offers plenty to chew on.
Let’s begin with the definition part of our
crossword clue
: “Evergreen plant.” This immediately steers us into the fascinating world of botany. We’re looking for a plant that retains its foliage throughout the seasons, a symbol of endurance and steadfastness in the garden. Think about the sturdy conifers, the lush rhododendrons, the vibrant hollies, or perhaps something a little more exotic. The sheer breadth of evergreen flora means this definition alone offers a rich tapestry of possibilities. What kind of evergreen plant springs to mind first? Is it a towering tree, a creeping shrub, or a delicate alpine species? The beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
is how it invites you to explore the vast corners of your knowledge.
But of course, the definition is only half the battle when tackling a cryptic
crossword clue
. The real magic lies in the wordplay. Here, we’re presented with “taken from rows of alpines.” This is where the detective work truly begins. The phrase “taken from” is a fascinating indicator. It can suggest a hidden word, where the answer is literally nestled within the letters of the accompanying phrase. Or, and this is often the more challenging and rewarding route, it can signal an anagram. Given the numerical solution of (7,6), which totals 13 letters, let’s count the letters in “rows of alpines”: R-O-W-S-O-F-A-L-P-I-N-E-S. Thirteen letters exactly! This symmetry is a strong, strong hint that we are almost certainly dealing with an anagram for this particular
crossword clue
.
The task then becomes a delightful linguistic scramble. Imagine all those letters – A, E, I, L, N, O, O, P, R, S, S, W – tumbling around in a botanical blender. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to rearrange them into two words, one seven letters long and the other six, that together name an “evergreen plant.” This is the kind of
crossword clue
that truly tests your combinatorial skills and your botanical vocabulary.
The mention of “alpines” in the fodder is also a tantalizing detail. Does it provide a contextual hint about the
type
of evergreen plant we’re seeking? Alpine plants are known for their hardiness and often compact growth, thriving in harsh mountain environments. Will the solution reflect this rugged beauty? It’s a layer of depth that elevates this
crossword clue
beyond a simple letter puzzle.
For those who revel in the challenge of anagrams, this
crossword clue
is a golden opportunity to flex those mental muscles. Jot down the letters, play with different combinations, and see what evergreen marvel emerges from the jumble. Think laterally, consider various genera and species, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Sometimes, the most elusive
crossword clue
gives way with a fresh perspective.
So, take a deep breath, sharpen your pencils (or your digital typing fingers!), and let this intriguing
crossword clue
guide you on a journey through the world of words and plants. The satisfaction of cracking a truly clever
crossword clue
like this is unparalleled. Happy solving, and may your wordplay be ever-green!
Available Answers:
PASSIONFLOWER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 7 September 2025