matrimony vine

American  

noun

1. any plant belonging to the genus Lycium, of the nightshade family, species of which are cultivated for their foliage, flowers, and berries.

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matrimony vine British  

noun

1. Also called: boxthorn.  any of various shrubs of the solanaceous genus Lycium, cultivated for their purple flowers and colourful berries

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Etymology

Origin of matrimony vine

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

The inevitable white curtains were fluttering freshly from the window, over which a huge matrimony vine drooped lazily and rung its pink and white bells to invite the passing bees.

From The Uncalled A Novel by Dunbar, Paul Laurence

Here may also be mentioned, as having similar habit, artichokes, peppermint, spearmint, barberry, Indian hemp, bindweed, toadflax, matrimony vine, bugle-weed, ostrich fern, eagle fern, sensitive fern, coltsfoot, St. John'swort, sorrel, great willow-herb, and many more.

From Seed Dispersal by Beal, W. J. (William James)