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Glite Dictionary
poison bush

poison bush

8.9
A plant from Australia with leaves and other parts that can make farm animals sick
  • noun
  • Australian
translation icon : arbusto venenoso
  • Many farmers had to fence their cattle away from the poison bush to prevent fatal poisoning.

Examples

  • The bright flowers of the poison bush belie the danger hidden in its leaves.

  • Scientists study the toxins in poison bush to find safe ways to manage grazing land.

  • The poison bush can harm livestock if ingested.

  • Farmers should identify poison bushes on their land.

  • Many farmers must keep their livestock away from the poison bush because it can cause serious health issues if eaten.

  • To protect their cattle, ranchers often mark the areas where poison bush grows, ensuring that they do not graze there.

  • The poison bush is known for its toxic leaves, which can be harmful to animals if consumed.

Synonyms

Gastrolobium
vspoison bush
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of Australian evergreen shrubs that are poisonous to farm animals

is the common nontechnical name used instead of the scientific term
poison pea
vspoison bush
  • Australian
9.9

An Australian evergreen shrub with bright yellow to red flowers that is poisonous to farm animals

refers broadly to any poisonous plant rather than specific species

How Toxic

poison bush
  • Australian
8.9

Surface Forms

poison bush singular
poison bushes plural

Morphology

poison + bush

The meaning 'a plant whose parts are poisonous' is straightforwardly derivable from 'poison' (a harmful substance) modifying 'bush' (a shrub/plant). This noun–noun composition follows normal English compounding patterns and is cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily understand it.

Etymology

Poison bush names a wild plant whose leaves contain poison, and bush means a wild plant. Farmers fenced their animals away from these plants, so the name now means 'a plant harmful to farm animals'.