Definition

Noun: 1. A type of ornamental plant: "Flame nettle" refers to any of various tropical plants belonging to the genus Coleus, characterized by their brightly colored, often multicolored decorative leaves and spikes of small blue flowers.

Usage and Examples

• As a common noun:
  • The garden's border was vibrant with flame nettles.
  • She added a pot of flame nettle to the windowsill for a splash of color.

Advanced Usage

• Horticultural Context: The term is used primarily in gardening and horticulture to describe these plants, which are valued for their foliage rather than their flowers. They are often grown as annuals in temperate climates or as houseplants.
  • For a shaded patio, consider planting flame nettles, as they thrive in indirect light.

Variants and Related Words

• Coleus (n): This is the botanical genus name and a more precise scientific synonym for "flame nettle."
  • Many varieties of coleus have been developed for their unique leaf patterns.
• Painted Nettle (n): Another common name for plants in the genus, highlighting their decorative, painted-like leaves.

Synonyms

• Coleus: The direct botanical synonym.
• Painted Nettle: A descriptive synonym emphasizing leaf appearance.

Notes on Meaning

• The name "flame nettle" combines "flame," referring to the fiery and vibrant colors of the leaves (reds, oranges, yellows), with "nettle," a reference to the plant's visual resemblance to true nettles (plants of the genus ), though coleus plants typically do not have stinging hairs.

Noun

1. any of various Old World tropical plants of the genus Coleus having multicolored decorative leaves and spikes of blue flowers