parrot's-bill

[ par-uhts-bil ]

noun

1. a showy, vinelike plant, Clianthus puniceus, of New Zealand, having clusters of eight white-streaked, crimson flowers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of parrot's-bill¹

1865–70; presumably translation of the Maori name of the plant, kōwhai ŋutukākā literally, kaka-billed kowhai