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Glite Dictionary
Christ's-thorn

Christ's-thorn

9.9
A bush or small tree with sharp thorns and often edible fruit
  • noun
translation icon : espina de Cristo
  • The branches of the Christ's-thorn are covered with sharp spines for protection.

Examples

  • Some believe that the Christ's-thorn was used to make the crown of thorns in biblical times.

  • In some regions, Christ's-thorns bear edible fruit.

  • Botanists studied the Christ's-thorn growing wild along the Mediterranean coast.

  • The Christ's-thorn shrub is known for its sharp spines.

  • The branches of the Christ's-thorn are covered with sharp spines to protect itself from grazing animals.

  • In some regions, the Christ's-thorn produces small fruit that can be eaten when ripe.

  • Some believe that the Christ's-thorn tree is a symbol of sacrifice due to its association with the crown of thorns.

Synonyms

Paliurus spina-christi
vsChrist's-thorn
  • Specialized
9.9

A thorny shrub from Europe and Asia with dry woody fruits that have flat wings

is a general name covering that species and related thorny shrubs
Christ thorn
vsChrist's-thorn
9.9

A spiny shrub from Madagascar grown as a houseplant with small flowers and bright red petals

refers more broadly to wild or fruiting thorny shrubs linked to scripture
Christ plant
vsChrist's-thorn
9.8

A spiny shrub from Madagascar with long stems and red flower-like parts often grown in gardens

covers wild or fruiting thorny shrubs often tied to the crown story

Surface Forms

Christ's-thorn singular
Christ's-thorns plural

Morphology

Christ's-thorn = Christ + thorn (semi-transparent) = Christ + thorn

The components 'Christ' and 'thorn' are clear, but the phrase is a conventional plant name tied to a cultural/biblical reference and refers to specific species, so the exact referent is not fully predictable from the parts.

Etymology

The word Christ's-thorn joins Christ and thorn and comes from the belief that a sharp, thorny bush was used to make the 'crown of thorns' placed on Jesus. So, plants called Christ's-thorn are named for their sharp spines and their link to that Bible story.