spider flower
spider flower Lexical Profile
• noun
A tall annual flowering plant (species Cleome hassleriana), native to southern South America, widely cultivated for its showy terminal clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers that feature remarkably long, spindly stamens.
"We planted spider flowers along the back border of the garden to add height and vibrant color during the late summer."
Australian Any of several Australian evergreen shrubs of the genus Grevillea, characterized by dense, brightly colored floral clusters with long, spidery styles.
"The red spider flower is a popular ornamental native shrub in many Australian coastal gardens, attracting numerous nectar-feeding birds."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
So named because the conspicuously long, protruding stamens of the blossoms strongly resemble the long, spindly legs of a spider.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.