macpalxochitl

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Classical Nahuatl macpalxochitl

one of the hand-like flowers of the macpalxochitl

Noun

macpalxochitl

1. (rare) A tree of species Chiranthodendron pentadactylon.
   • 1804, Benjamin Smith Barton, editor, The Philadelphia medical and physical journal, volume 1, page 168:

     The Macpalxochitl, figured by Clavigero, after Hernandez, is one of the most singular trees hitherto discovered.

   • 2002, Emory Dean Keoke, Kay Marie Porterfield, Encyclopedia of American Indian Contributions to the World, page 118:

     For lower abdominal pain, the patient would be prescribed macpalxochitl (Chiranthodendron) also effective for both conditions. For diarrhea the patient would be given […]

   • 1941, Clifford Gessler, Pattern of Mexico:

     […] where Mexico tapers toward the wasp-waist of the continent, the macpalxochitl extends to the light its red finger-like petals, healing to the heart.

Synonyms

• Devil's hand tree, devil's hand tree; Mexican hand tree; handflower, handflower tree; manita

Translations

Mexican hand tree — see Mexican hand tree

Classical Nahuatl

Etymology

Literally "palm (of the hand) flower(s)".

Noun

mācpalxōchitl

1. a tree of species Chiranthodendron pentadactylon