Mustard Tree (Noun)
Meaning 1
Glabrous or pubescent evergreen shrub or tree of the genus Salvadora; twigs are fibrous and in some parts of the world are bound together in clusters and used as a toothbrush; shoots are used as camel fodder; plant ash provides salt.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The leaves of the mustard tree are not only edible but they also have medicinal properties that locals have been using for generations.
- In tropical regions, people use the branches of the mustard tree as a natural toothbrush by chewing one end to make it fibrous and using it to clean their teeth.
- Local farmers use mustard tree as a land cover to help stabilize soil and also provide food for their camels.
- Pilgrims who travel to the holy sites often use sticks made from mustard tree branches to brush their teeth as it is believed to have been a practice of the prophets.
- Mustard tree also serves as a vital source of salt where people burn it to extract salt from the ashes and use it to flavor their food.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
Evergreen South American shrub naturalized in United States; occasionally responsible for poisoning livestock.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The leaves of the mustard tree were particularly difficult to identify, especially for inexperienced botanists.
- Local farmers had to remove the mustard tree from their pastures to prevent accidental poisoning of the livestock.
- Researchers were studying the invasive species mustard tree to develop methods for controlling its spread across the region.
- Wildlife authorities put up warning signs about the poisonous mustard tree, advising hikers not to consume any parts of the plant.
- Botanists recommended landscaping alternatives to the mustard tree for property owners, due to its toxicity to animals.