tritoma

[ trit-uh-muh ]

noun

1. any of various plants belonging to the genus Kniphofia, of the lily family, native to Africa, especially K. uvaria, having long, dense clusters of tubular red or yellow flowers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tritoma¹

1880–85; < New Latin Tritoma alternate genus name < Greek trítom ( os ) thrice-cut ( tri- tri- + -tomos -tomous ) + New Latin -a -a ²

Example Sentences

What is more charming than the effect of hollyhocks, peonies, poppies, tritomas, and tulips seen against a yew hedge?

From Project Gutenberg

I would like to ask what success you have had with growing tritoma, the flame flower?

From Project Gutenberg

The tritoma, with its brilliant red blossom, is familiar in most localities as the "devil's poker," and the ground ivy has been nicknamed the "devil's candlestick," the mandrake supplying his candle.

From Project Gutenberg