snailflower

[ sneyl-flou-er ]

/ ˈsneɪlˌflaʊ ər /

noun

a tropical vine, Vigna caracalla, of the legume family, having fragrant, yellowish or purplish flowers, a segment of which is shaped like a snail's shell.

Nearby words

snail kite, snail mail, snail's pace, snail-paced, snailfish, snailflower, snake, snake charmer, snake dance, snake doctor, snake eyes

Origin of snailflower

First recorded in 1680–90; snail + flower

Also called corkscrew flower.