Bechtel crab

9.9

A small crabapple tree grown for its large double pink flowers

noun

Specialized

: manzano Bechtel

The Bechtel crab tree blooms beautifully in the spring.

Examples

The nursery specializes in rare ornamental trees, including the Bechtel crab.
They planted a Bechtel crab near the entrance to attract bees and butterflies.
A Bechtel crab in full bloom adds a splash of color to the garden each spring.
Many gardeners prefer the Bechtel crab for its stunning flowers.
A Bechtel crab in full bloom adds a splash of color to the garden each spring.
The nursery specializes in rare ornamental trees, including the Bechtel crab.
They planted a Bechtel crab near the entrance to attract bees and butterflies.

Surface Forms

Bechtel crab singular

Bechtel crabs plural

Morphology

Bechtel + crab

This is a named cultivar combining a proper name (Bechtel) with 'crab' used horticulturally for crabapple; the pattern (Name + noun = a variety of that noun) is predictable. However, most B1 learners will not know 'Bechtel' and may not know that 'crab' can mean 'crabapple' rather than the animal, so the meaning is only partially recoverable without background botanical or naming knowledge.

Etymology

Bechtel crab may be named after a grower or nursery called Bechtel who developed a special 'crabapple' from the 'Iowa crab', so the name points to a specific garden variety. That's why today Bechtel crab means a cultivated ornamental tree known for its large double pink blossoms.