apostle plant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical (Botany/Horticulture); Poetic/Literary (Figurative use).
Quick answer
What does “apostle plant” mean?
A tropical climbing vine (Neomarica caerulea), also known as the walking iris, noted for its sword-shaped leaves and striking blue and white flowers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tropical climbing vine (Neomarica caerulea), also known as the walking iris, noted for its sword-shaped leaves and striking blue and white flowers.
Sometimes used figuratively, though rarely, to refer to a disciple or early proponent of a particular cause, drawing a direct parallel to the original meaning of 'apostle'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. The term is equally technical in both variants.
Connotations
Identical botanical connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare in general language. Known primarily to gardeners and botanists in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “apostle plant” in a Sentence
The [apostle plant] [grows/flourishes] in [partial shade].[She/He] [tends/owns] an [apostle plant].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in botanical texts and horticultural studies.
Everyday
Rarely used, limited to gardening conversations.
Technical
The standard context for its use.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “apostle plant”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “apostle plant”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “apostle plant”
- Writing as 'apostleplant' (should be two words).
- Assuming it has direct religious significance in modern conversation.
- Pronouncing 'apostle' in the plant name differently from the religious word (pronunciation is identical).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Only etymologically and in its folk name origin. Its primary context is horticulture, not religion.
It's possible but highly uncommon and would be a creative, context-dependent literary device, not a standard idiom.
It prefers partial shade, consistent moisture, and well-draining soil, typical of many tropical understory plants.
Because after flowering, the stem bends to the ground, where a new plantlet forms and roots, giving the appearance the plant is 'walking' across the garden.
A tropical climbing vine (Neomarica caerulea), also known as the walking iris, noted for its sword-shaped leaves and striking blue and white flowers.
Apostle plant is usually technical (botany/horticulture); poetic/literary (figurative use). in register.
Apostle plant: in British English it is pronounced /əˌpɒs.l̩ ˈplɑːnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˌpɑː.sl̩ ˈplænt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
The apostle plant 'walks' across the garden just as the apostles walked across the land to spread their word (via its method of propagation where new plantlets form on spent flower stalks).
Conceptual Metaphor
PLANT IS A MISSIONARY (figuratively).
Practice
Quiz
In what context would you most likely encounter the term 'apostle plant'?