artillery plant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Horticultural
Quick answer
What does “artillery plant” mean?
A tropical plant of the genus Pilea, especially Pilea microphylla, whose stamens release pollen in a sudden puff when touched.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tropical plant of the genus Pilea, especially Pilea microphylla, whose stamens release pollen in a sudden puff when touched.
A low-growing, spreading plant often kept as a novelty houseplant or used as ground cover in warm climates, nicknamed for its mechanical pollen-dispersal mechanism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in both varieties. Usage is almost exclusively confined to botanical/horticultural contexts.
Connotations
Neutral, descriptive. May evoke mild amusement due to the vivid metaphor.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties. Known primarily to gardeners, botanists, and plant enthusiasts.
Grammar
How to Use “artillery plant” in a Sentence
The [artillery plant] [verb: releases, puffs, grows]To [verb: plant, propagate, touch] an [artillery plant]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “artillery plant” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The stamens will artillery the pollen if disturbed.
- It artilleried a cloud of yellow dust.
American English
- The flower artilleried pollen onto my hand.
- Don't touch it, or it will artillery.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjectival use. Hypothetical: 'an artillery-plant mechanism']
American English
- [No standard adjectival use. Hypothetical: 'artillery-plant behaviour']
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in botanical texts and papers describing the genus Pilea or plant pollination mechanisms.
Everyday
Rare; might be used by a houseplant seller explaining a plant's unique feature to a customer.
Technical
Standard term in horticulture and botany for this specific species.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “artillery plant”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “artillery plant”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “artillery plant”
- Mis-spelling as 'artillary plant'.
- Assuming it is related to military hardware.
- Using it as a general term for any sensitive plant (like Mimosa pudica).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the name is purely a metaphorical nickname based on the plant's pollination mechanism. It is not used in the production of weapons or explosives.
Yes, Pilea microphylla is often grown as a novelty houseplant. It prefers bright, indirect light and consistent moisture.
No. The sensitive plant folds its leaves when touched. The artillery plant does not move its leaves, but its flowers release pollen explosively.
Pilea microphylla is native to tropical regions of the Americas, from Mexico and the Caribbean to Brazil and Paraguay.
A tropical plant of the genus Pilea, especially Pilea microphylla, whose stamens release pollen in a sudden puff when touched.
Artillery plant is usually technical / horticultural in register.
Artillery plant: in British English it is pronounced /ɑːˈtɪləri plɑːnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɑrˈtɪləri plænt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none directly associated with the plant name]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny plant firing pollen 'cannonballs' at your finger when you touch it.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLANT POLLEN DISPERSAL IS THE FIRING OF ARTILLERY.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason for the name 'artillery plant'?