Definition

1. Noun:
   • A species of tree: Cordyline australis is an elegant tree that can grow with either a single trunk or a branching trunk. It is characterized by terminal clusters of long, narrow leaves and large panicles of fragrant white, yellow, or red flowers. It is native to New Zealand.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The garden was dominated by a magnificent Cordyline australis.
  • We planted a Cordyline australis for its architectural form and fragrant summer flowers.

Advanced Usage

• Common Names: In everyday language, is often referred to by its common names, such as the cabbage tree, ti kōuka, or New Zealand cabbage tree. These names are used more frequently than the scientific binomial in general conversation.
  • The cabbage tree (Cordyline australis) is a familiar sight in the New Zealand landscape.

Variants and Related Words

• Cordyline (n): The genus to which this species belongs, comprising many other similar plants often called "ti plants" or "cabbage trees."
  • Several Cordyline species are popular as ornamental plants.

Synonyms

• Cabbage tree: The most widely used common name in English.
• Ti kōuka: The Māori name for the tree.
• New Zealand cabbage tree: A more descriptive common name specifying its origin.

Related Phrases

• "Cabbage tree palm": A sometimes-used but botanically incorrect name, as it is not a true palm.
  • People sometimes mistakenly call the Cordyline australis a cabbage tree palm.

Related Idioms

• . However, the tree itself is a significant cultural symbol in New Zealand Māori tradition.*

Noun

1. 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