dumb cane

noun

1. a West Indian foliage plant, Dieffenbachia seguine, of the arum family, having yellow-blotched leaves that cause temporary speechlessness when chewed.

dumb-cane

noun

1. a West Indian aroid plant, Dieffenbachia seguine , chewing the stem of which induces speechlessness by paralysing the throat muscles

Word History and Origins

Origin of dumb cane¹

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

So, it fell to me to tell her the plant earned its common name, dumb cane, from the archaic term for mute.

From Seattle Times

Maculata/seguine, commonly known as spotted dumb cane because its sap can cause irritation of the mouth, is a popular species featuring narrow green leaves with irregular white markings.

From Los Angeles Times