Definition

Noun: 1. A spiny shrub with yellow flowers and triangular seeds: "bitter pea" refers to any of several shrubs belonging to the genus Daviesia, characterized by their spines, yellow flowers, and distinctive triangular-shaped seeds. These plants are native to Australia.

Usage Notes

• "Bitter pea" is a common name used for specific plants within the genus. It is typically used in botanical, ecological, or gardening contexts when referring to these Australian shrubs.
• It functions as a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The hillside was covered in flowering bitter peas.
  • Botanists are studying the adaptation of the bitter pea to arid environments.
  • The triangular seeds of the bitter pea are a key identifying feature.

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used in its literal, botanical sense. Figurative or idiomatic uses are not common.

Variants and Related Words

• Daviesia (n): The scientific genus name for the group of plants that includes the bitter peas.
• Fabaceae (n): The pea family, the large plant family to which the genus belongs.

Synonyms

• Daviesia (when referring to the genus collectively).

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term "bitter pea" specifically refers to plants in the genus. It should not be confused with other plants that might have "pea" in their common name but belong to different genera (e.g., sweet pea).

Noun

1. any of several spiny shrubs of the genus Daviesia having yellow flowers and triangular seeds; Australia