Definition

Noun: 1. A medium-sized shrubby tree native to South Africa: This plant is characterized by its thick, leathery, evergreen leaves, white or pink flowers, and purplish-black, globular fruits that typically contain two seeds. Its common name refers to the historical use of its toxic sap to poison arrow tips.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The guide pointed out a poison arrow plant growing on the rocky hillside.
  • Traditional hunters once extracted toxins from the poison arrow plant.
  • Despite its dangerous reputation, the poison arrow plant has attractive, glossy foliage.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical or ethnobotanical contexts: The term is used specifically to refer to (or related species like ), a plant studied for its cardiac glycosides, which are potent toxins.
  • The research paper focused on the chemical compounds isolated from the poison arrow plant.

Variants and Related Words

• Acokanthera (n): The botanical genus name for the poison arrow plant.
• Bushman's poison (n): Another common name for the same plant.
• Wintersweet (n): A name sometimes used for .

Synonyms

• Bushman's poison
• Acokanthera (scientific/genus name)

Notes on Meaning

The primary meaning refers to the specific South African tree. The name directly indicates its historical use as a source of arrow poison. It is important to note that this is a common name for a specific plant, not a general category for any plant used to make poison arrows.

Noun

1. medium-sized shrubby tree of South Africa having thick leathery evergreen leaves and white or pink flowers and globose usually two-seeded purplish black fruits