grapple-plant, noun

Origin:
See quotation 1966.
The plant Harpagophytum procumbens of the Pedaliaceae, with sharp, recurving thorns on its seed-capsules; haakdoring sense 2. Also attributive.
1822 W.J. Burchell Trav. I. 536The beautiful Uncaria procumbens (or, Grapple Plant) was not less abundant.
1868 W.H. Harvey Genera of S. Afr. Plants 278The famous ‘Grapple-plant’ of Burchell, found in and beyond the Northern frontier, is U[ncaria] procumbens.
1893 J.T. Bent Ruined Cities of Mashonaland 17Lurking in the grass is the Grapple plant, the Harpagophytum procumbens.
1898 P. MacOwan in Cape of G.H. Agric. Jrnl 406 (Pettman)The Grapple-plant capsule is a thin oval affair of singular toughness and elasticity, with four or five curving marginal arms, reaching out and up. They are furnished with several formidable hooks at the tip,..recurved, pointing downwards, and very sharp.
1917 R. Marloth Dict. of Common Names of Plants 33Grapple plant, The seed-vessel provided with numerous curved claws.
1966 C.A. Smith Common Names 234Grapple plant,..name..first assigned to the species by Burchell in 1811...Each of the long horns of the fruit bears 3 to 4 sharp recurved spines which recall the grappling irons used in early naval warfare.
1972 M.R. Levyns in Std Encycl. of Sn Afr. V. 317The grapple-plant occurs in grass-land, mostly north of the Orange River.
The plant Harpagophytum procumbens of the Pedaliaceae, with sharp, recurving thorns on its seed-capsules; haakdoring sense 2. Also attributive.
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grantee, nounn.grassveld, nounn.
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