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

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)

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