winter cherry
Definition
Noun 1. A small South American shrub (Solanum pseudocapsicum): A plant cultivated as a houseplant, known for its decorative but poisonous, cherry-sized fruit that are typically red or yellow. 2. An Old World perennial (Physalis alkekengi): A plant cultivated for its ornamental, inflated, papery, orange-red calyx (the husk surrounding the fruit).
Usage and Examples
- As a common name for Solanum pseudocapsicum:
- The bright berries of the winter cherry add festive color to the room, but keep them away from pets.
- She received a potted winter cherry as a holiday gift.
- As a common name for Physalis alkekengi:
- In the autumn garden, the papery lanterns of the winter cherry glowed in the afternoon sun.
- The dried seed pods of the winter cherry are often used in floral arrangements.
Advanced Usage Notes
- The term "winter cherry" is a common name that refers to two distinct plant species from different genera and continents. Context or scientific names are often needed for precise identification.
- For , other common names include Jerusalem cherry or false Jerusalem cherry. Its fruit is toxic if ingested.
- For , other common names include Chinese lantern, bladder cherry, or Japanese lantern. The calyx is the primary ornamental feature.
Variants and Related Words
- Jerusalem cherry: A synonym for .
- Chinese lantern: A synonym for .
- Alkekengi: An archaic or botanical term related to .
Synonyms
- For the houseplant (): Jerusalem cherry, false Jerusalem cherry.
- For the garden perennial (): Chinese lantern, bladder cherry, Japanese lantern.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- No specific idioms or phrasal verbs are commonly associated with the term "winter cherry." It is primarily a botanical name.
Noun
-
small South American shrub cultivated as a houseplant for its abundant ornamental but poisonous red or yellow cherry-sized fruit
-
Old World perennial cultivated for its ornamental inflated papery orange-red calyx
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