grapple plant

American  

noun

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

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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

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Etymology

Origin of grapple plant

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

“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

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

From In the Wilds of Africa by Pearse, Alfred