elephant's ear

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elephant's ear

The gardener planted an elephant's ear in the shady corner of the garden.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A tropical tree: A large tropical South American tree (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) known for its wide-spreading crown, bipinnate leaves, coiled ear-shaped seed pods, and valuable timber. It is often grown for shade and ornamental purposes.
    • An ornamental plant: Any plant belonging to the genus Alocasia, characterized by very large, showy, often heart-shaped or arrow-shaped leaves that resemble an elephant's ear, a boat-shaped spathe, and reddish berries.
Usage Examples

  • Noun (Tree):

    • The park's centerpiece is a massive elephant's ear providing shade for the entire plaza.
    • The timber from the elephant's ear is highly prized for its durability and workability.

  • Noun (Ornamental Plant):

    • She placed a potted elephant's ear on the patio to add a dramatic tropical feel.
    • The elephant's ear in the botanical garden has leaves nearly three feet wide.
Advanced Usage
  • As a descriptive term: The phrase "elephant's ear" is sometimes used informally to describe any plant with exceptionally large, floppy leaves, such as certain cultivars of (taro).
    • While not a true Alocasia, that giant taro is often called an elephant's ear because of its massive foliage.
Variants and Related Words
  • Elephant ear: A common alternative spelling, often used interchangeably, especially for the ornamental plants.
  • Alocasia: The botanical genus name for many ornamental "elephant's ear" plants.
  • Enterolobium cyclocarpum: The scientific name for the tropical tree species.
  • Taro (): A related plant with large leaves also commonly called "elephant ear."
Synonyms
  • For the tree: Ear tree, monkey ear tree.
  • For the plant: Giant taro (for some similar-looking species), African mask plant (for specific varieties).
Related Phrases
  • "Elephant ear plant": A common phrase specifying the ornamental variety.
    • Be careful not to overwater your elephant ear plant.
  • "Elephant ear fern": Refers to specific fern species with large fronds, demonstrating the descriptive use of the term.
    • The elephant ear fern thrives in the humid understory of the forest.
elephant's ear

The gardener planted an elephant's ear in the shady corner of the garden.

Noun
  1. tropical South American tree having a wide-spreading crown of bipinnate leaves and coiled ear-shaped fruits; grown for shade and ornament as well as valuable timber
  2. any plant of the genus Alocasia having large showy basal leaves and boat-shaped spathe and reddish berries

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