apple of peru: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Botanical
Quick answer
What does “apple of peru” mean?
A common name for the plant Nicandra physalodes, also known as shoo-fly plant, characterized by its bell-shaped flowers and papery, lantern-like seed pods.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A common name for the plant Nicandra physalodes, also known as shoo-fly plant, characterized by its bell-shaped flowers and papery, lantern-like seed pods.
A colloquial or regional name for a specific ornamental or weedy plant in the nightshade family, sometimes used to refer to other similar-looking plants with inflated calyces.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare in both dialects. More likely to be encountered in gardening contexts or regional speech than in general use.
Connotations
Neutral botanical descriptor; may carry a slightly old-fashioned or rustic connotation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both corpora. Far more common to use the botanical name 'Nicandra' or the alternative common name 'shoo-fly plant'.
Grammar
How to Use “apple of peru” in a Sentence
The [adjective] apple of Peru grew wild.They cultivated the apple of Peru for its [noun].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in botanical or horticultural texts as a historical or regional common name.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by gardeners or in rural areas where the plant is known.
Technical
The formal botanical name 'Nicandra physalodes' is strongly preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “apple of peru”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “apple of peru”
- Capitalising 'of' (incorrect: Apple Of Peru).
- Using it as a countable noun for multiple plants (e.g., 'apples of Peru' is unusual; 'apple of Peru plants' is better).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the plant is considered non-edible and potentially toxic, like many plants in the nightshade family.
The name likely refers to the apple-like shape of its inflated seed pod (calyx) and its New World origins, though it is not specifically from Peru.
The most widely used common name is 'shoo-fly plant'.
It is not recommended. In formal botanical or academic contexts, always use the scientific name 'Nicandra physalodes'.
A common name for the plant Nicandra physalodes, also known as shoo-fly plant, characterized by its bell-shaped flowers and papery, lantern-like seed pods.
Apple of peru: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæp.əl əv pəˈruː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæp.əl əv pəˈru/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a paper lantern from Peru that looks like a small, puffed-up apple.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLANT IS A FRUIT (naming a plant by the shape of its seed vessel).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'apple of Peru' primarily?