cabbage tree
Noun: 1. A type of tree native to New Zealand (Cordyline australis): An elegant, palm-like tree characterized by a single trunk or a branching trunk, with terminal clusters of long, narrow leaves and large panicles of fragrant white, yellow, or red flowers. 2. A type of tree native to Australia (Livistona australis): A species of palm tree whose leaf buds (heart) are edible when young. 3. A tree with toxic bark (Andira inermis): A tropical American tree known for its shaggy, unpleasant-smelling bark, which yields strong wood; its bark and seeds have been used as a purgative, vermifuge, and narcotic.
- Noun:
- The cabbage tree is a distinctive feature of the New Zealand landscape.
- Early settlers in Australia sometimes ate the heart of the cabbage tree palm.
- The bark of the cabbage tree (Andira inermis) contains medicinal but toxic compounds.
- The term "cabbage tree" is a common name applied to several botanically distinct trees in different parts of the world, leading to potential confusion. Context (geographic location or botanical description) is essential for precise identification.
- Cabbage palm: A name often used interchangeably, especially for the Australian and other similar palms.
- Ti tree or Tī kōuka: The Māori name for the New Zealand .
- Cordyline: The botanical genus for the New Zealand cabbage tree.
- For : Ti tree, Tī kōuka, giant dracaena, palm lily.
- For : Cabbage palm, Australian cabbage palm.
- For : Worm bark, angelin tree.
The primary meaning of "cabbage tree" depends heavily on regional context: 1. In New Zealand, it almost exclusively refers to Cordyline australis. 2. In eastern Australia, it commonly refers to the palm Livistona australis. 3. In a botanical or historical medicinal context, it may refer to the tropical American tree Andira inermis.
- elegant tree having either a single trunk or a branching trunk each with terminal clusters of long narrow leaves and large panicles of fragrant white, yellow or red flowers; New Zealand
- tree with shaggy unpleasant-smelling toxic bark and yielding strong durable wood; bark and seeds used as a purgative and vermifuge and narcotic
- Australian palm with leaf buds that are edible when young