large-leaved cucumber tree

[ lahrj-leevd ]

noun

1. a round-headed tree, Magnolia macrophylla, of the southeastern United States, having soft, hairy leaves from 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 centimeters) long, fragrant, cup-shaped, creamy-white flowers with a purplish base which are from 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters) wide, and rose-colored, round fruit.

Word History and Origins

Origin of large-leaved cucumber tree¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

The large-leaved cucumber tree exceeds all other magnolias in the size of its leaves and flowers.

From Project Gutenberg