Definition

Noun: 1. A shrub or small tree (Coursetia glandulosa): A plant characterized by having pinnate leaves that are toxic to livestock, dense clusters of very fragrant blue flowers, and red seeds or beans.

Usage Notes

• This is a specific botanical term for a particular plant species. It is not a common word in everyday English conversation.
• It is primarily used in scientific, agricultural, or regional contexts (especially in the southwestern United States and Mexico) to identify this plant.
• The key identifying features are its poisonous leaves, fragrant blue flowers, and red beans.

Examples

• The rancher identified the frijolillo growing near the creek and removed it to protect the cattle.
• Botanists study the frijolillo for its unique adaptation to arid climates.
• A dense cluster of blue flowers indicated the presence of a frijolillo shrub.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metonymically to refer to the plant's toxicity itself.
  • Several cases of livestock poisoning were attributed to frijolillo.

Variants and Related Words

• Frijolito (noun): A common variant name for the same or similar species.
• Baby bonnets (noun): A colloquial name for this plant.
• Coursetia glandulosa (noun): The scientific Latin name for the species.

Synonyms

• Mescal bean (noun): While sometimes referring to a different plant (), this name is occasionally used regionally for , leading to potential confusion. The key distinction is the flower color and specific toxicity.
• Poisonous pea shrub (noun): A descriptive synonym highlighting its family (Fabaceae/Leguminosae) and toxic nature.

Different Meanings

• This word does not have other common meanings in English outside of this specific botanical reference. It should not be confused with the general Spanish word "frijol" (bean).

Noun

1. shrub or small tree having pinnate leaves poisonous to livestock and dense racemes of intensely fragrant blue flowers and red beans