African hemp
- noun
- South African
:
cáñamo africano
- You can recognize African hemp by its large, conspicuously hairy leaves and branches.
Examples
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The African hemp is often grown in gardens for its ornamental white flowers.
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The African hemp shrub grows well in sunny areas.
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In some regions, African hemp is used as a natural hedge due to its dense growth.
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Many gardeners appreciate African hemp for its beautiful flowers.
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You can recognize African hemp by its large, hairy leaves and clusters of white flowers.
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In some regions, African hemp is commonly planted for its attractive foliage and flowers.
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Many gardeners cultivate African hemp for its ability to thrive in sunny gardens and its striking blooms.
Synonyms
A large bush from South Africa with hairy leaves and clusters of white flowers
Surface Forms
Morphology
The adjective+noun composition 'African hemp' transparently signals a hemp-like, fibrous plant associated with Africa, so a B1 learner who knows 'African' and 'hemp' will infer it is an African plant used for fiber. There is a technical botanical detail (it can refer to Sansevieria rather than Cannabis) that is specialized and not predictable, but this does not prevent basic comprehension of the phrase's meaning.
Etymology
African hemp may have got its name because people used this large, hair-covered shrub like hemp to make natural 'hedges' and barriers, thanks to its very dense growth. So the name now points to a big, dense plant with hairy branches and white flowers.
