bat plant

noun

variants or bat flower

: either of two rhizomatous perennial herbs of the genus Tacca (T. chantrieri and T. integrifolia) that are native to tropical Asia and are grown as ornamentals especially for their unusual flowers which have a long, threadlike appendage and are borne in umbellate clusters subtended by large, usually deep purple or black, winglike bracts

It does have the characteristic large bracts (modified leaves, like the poinsettia) and the small dark flowers as well as the strange whiskers found on both of those bat plants.

—Sue Kittek, Morning Call (Allentown, Pennsylvania), 25 Feb. 2006

Rich green foliage, lanky maroon-black petals and wispy tendrils give the bat flower an exotic look …

—Cindy Tumiel, San Antonio Express-News, 5 July 2003

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now