umbrella plant

noun

1. an African plant, Cyperus alternifolius, of the sedge family, that has several stems growing directly upward from a mass of roots and an umbrella-shaped cluster of leaves at the top of each stem.
2. North Midland U.S. the May apple plant.
3. Also called wild buckwheat. any of various plants belonging to the genus Eriogonum, of the buckwheat family, native to the western U.S. and Mexico, having rounded heads or umbels of white, yellow, or red flowers.

umbrella plant

noun

1. an African sedge, Cyperus alternifolius, having large umbrella-like whorls of slender leaves: widely grown as an ornamental water plant

Word History and Origins

Origin of umbrella plant¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

The umbrella plant requires an unusual amount of water, and will grow nicely in a water garden.

From Project Gutenberg

The stem is covered with purple blotches, and there is only one other umbrella plant which has a spotted stem.

From Project Gutenberg

For though Mrs. Brown did have an umbrella plant, and a rubber plant also, Sue's doll was not under either one.

From Project Gutenberg