wonder flower
- noun
- South African
:
flor maravilla
- The florist recommended the wonder flower for its striking white blossoms that last for weeks in a vase.
Examples
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Many winter bouquets in Europe feature the elegant wonder flower imported from South Africa.
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She was amazed by the long, spiky blooms of the wonder flower displayed at the exhibition.
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The wonder flower blooms beautifully in the garden.
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Have you seen a wonder flower before?
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Many winter bouquets in Europe feature the elegant wonder flower imported from South Africa.
-
The florist recommended the wonder flower for its striking white blossoms that last for weeks in a vase.
-
She was amazed by the long, spiky blooms of the wonder flower displayed at the exhibition.
Synonyms
A plant from South Africa with long spikes of white flowers used in bouquets
A South African plant with long spikes of white flowers grown for cut flowers
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound is built transparently from 'wonder' (remarkable) + 'flower' (a plant blossom), so a B1 learner who knows both words will infer it denotes a remarkable or notable kind of flower. While the specific botanical identity and usage details (South African perennial, cut-flower use) are not derivable, the basic referent as a notable/type of flower is directly predictable from the constituents.
Etymology
Wonder flower may come from early European florists who were amazed by its long, white spikes that stayed fresh through winter. That's why the name uses wonder to mean 'amazing', and the plant is still popular as a 'long-lasting' cut flower.
