grapple plant

American  

noun

1. a procumbent, thorny plant, Harpagophytum procumbens, of southern Africa.

---

grapple plant British  

noun

1. Also called: wait-a-bit.  a herbaceous plant, Harpagophytum procumbens, of southern Africa, whose fruits are covered with large woody barbed hooks: family Pedaliaceae

---

Etymology

Origin of grapple plant

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

David, who examined it, said it came from the plant Uncaria procumbens; or grapple plant.

From In the Wilds of Africa by Pearse, Alfred

“The poor creature has got this seed-vessel of the grapple plant into his mouth,” he said, exhibiting it.

From In the Wilds of Africa by Pearse, Alfred