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Glite Dictionary
redbird cactus

redbird cactus

9.9
A low tropical plant from Central and South America that is poisonous and makes you vomit
  • noun
  • US
translation icon : cactus Jew
  • The redbird cactus is valued in traditional medicine for its strong emetic qualities.

Examples

  • Many South American cultures have used the redbird cactus in herbal remedies for centuries.

  • The redbird cactus grows in tropical climates.

  • Gardeners should be cautious when handling the redbird cactus due to its toxicity.

  • Many gardeners love the redbird cacti for their unique appearance.

  • Many South American cultures have used the redbird cactus in herbal remedies for centuries.

  • The redbird cactus is valued in traditional medicine for its strong emetic qualities.

  • Gardeners should be cautious when handling the redbird cactus due to its toxicity.

Synonyms

redbird flower
vsredbird cactus
  • US
9.9

A low tropical American shrub with bright flowers that can make you vomit

is the name that adds its common location in Central and South America
Jew bush
vsredbird cactus
  • US
9.9

Low tropical American shrub whose leaves can make you vomit

is the term that adds frequent presence in Central and South America
Jew-bush
vsredbird cactus
  • Specialized
9.9

A low tropical shrub whose leaves make you throw up

is the term that specifies its common occurrence in Central and South America
Pedilanthus tithymaloides
vsredbird cactus
  • Specialized
9.9

A low tropical American shrub that can make you vomit and is grown for zigzag stems and bright flower parts

focuses on its powerful emetic role rather than ornamental cultivated traits

Surface Forms

redbird cactus singular
redbird cacti plural

Morphology

redbird + cactus

The compound clearly names a type of cactus (cactus) modified by 'redbird', so a learner who recognises the constituents would infer it is a specific cactus variety — however 'redbird' is not a standard lexical unit here and offers no clue to the plant's unusual emetic properties. Because the basic categorical meaning (a cactus) is compositional but the crucial information (powerful emetic effects and specific shrub identity) is not predictable from the parts, the expression is only partially transparent to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Redbird cactus may come from the plant's bright red flowers that look like little birds sitting on a low cactus. Even though the flowers look pretty, the plant is very poisonous and was used in traditional medicine 'to make people vomit', so the name helps people remember this dangerous but useful shrub.