Palma Christi
(ˈpælmə ˈkrɪstɪ)
[The med.L. name (also, in sense 1, Fr., It., Sp., Pg.) for the two plants (= palm or hand of Christ); from the hand-like shape of the leaves (in 1), and of the tubers (in 2). See also palmchrist.]
1. The Castor-oil plant, Ricinus communis.
| 1548 Turner Names of Herbs, Ricinus is called..in english Palma Christi. 1578 Lyte Dodoens iii. xxix. 355 The seede of Palma Christi is hoate and drie in the thirde degree. a 1687 Waller Battel Summer-Isl. i. Wks. (1729) 86 The Palma-Christi and the fair papà,..In half the circle of the hasty year Project a shade, and lovely fruits do wear. 1736 Bailey Househ. Dict. 59 He may take an ounce of the juice of the root of Palma Christi, with as much sugar, fasting. 1833 M. Scott Tom Cringle xviii, We applied an embrocation of the leaves of the Palma Christi or Castor oil nut. |
† 2. A name for species of Orchis having palmate tubers, as O. maculata and O. latifolia. Obs.
| 1578 Lyte Dodoens ii. lix. 225 Of Royall Standergrasse or Palma Christi. [Three kinds described.] 1597 Gerarde Herbal i. ciii. 170 Roiall Satyrion or finger Orchis, is called of the Latines Palma Christi. |