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Definition of "visnaga" [visnaga]

  • A name applied in the Mediterranean region to Ammi Visnaga, a carrot-like plant, the peduncles of which become dilated into disks which boar the umbel-rays. These harden into spines and become erect and connivent. They are used for toothpicks, giving to the plant the name toothpick, or picktooth-plant. See picktooth, 2. (noun)
  • In Mexico and the southwestern United States, a name applied by the Spanish colonists to species of Echinocactus and Coryphantha, fleshy, cylindrical plants which bear stout spines and contain a watery pulp. In the desert of Arizona Echinocactus Wislizeni and E. Emoryi, sometimes called barrel-cactus, yield a refreshing substitute for drinking-water; and in Mexico the pulp of several species, including E. ingens, is cut into slices and made into sweetmeats. Also written bisnada and bisnaga. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

Use "visnaga" in a sentence
  • "These are being replaced by more halophytic Ammi visnaga and Scolymus maculatus."
  • "MOSIG, A. (1964) Die alte Agyptische arzneipflanze Ammi visnaga."
  • "SINGH, V.P. (1963) Cultivation of Egyptian herbs—Ammi majus and Ammi visnaga."
Words like "visnaga"