candelabra trees

Noun

candelabra tree (plural candelabra trees)

1. Several species of Euphorbia, including Euphorbia ingens, Euphorbia candelabrum, Euphorbia ammak, Euphorbia cooperi, Euphorbia lacti, and Euphorbia antiquorum.
   • The other trees which the Central African forests produce are the kolquall, or candelabra tree; the msundurusi, or copal-tree, frequent in Ukawendi; the moumbo, or palmyra; the miombo; the beautiful and fragrant mimosa; the mtundu; and on the shores of Lake Tanganika is seen the beautiful Guinea...1872, Henry Morton Stanley, How I found Livingstone, page 524

   Synonyms:

   naboom

2. A Brazilian tree, Araucaria angustifolia.
   • The Candelabra-tree is chiefly interesting for its appearance, which perfectly resembles an immense candelabra ready for illumination.1907, Marie Robinson Wright, The New Brazil, page 157
3. A South American tree, Cecropia pachystachya.
   • In the forests of South America grow the imbauba or so-called candelabra trees, species of the genus Cecropia, which well deserve their name, 'candelabra,' from the curious appearance given them by the outspringing bare branches, each bearing a tuft of leaves at the free end.1907, David Starr Jordan, Evolution and animal life, page 379
4. An African native, Senna didymobotrya, whose yellow flowers look like lit candles.
   • Her interest in botanicals was as strong as ever, but she added bromeliadssuch as Tillandsia and tropical (or neotropical) plants such as Bauhinia, Heliconia, Alpinia, the candelabra tree (Senna didymobotrya) and poinciana shrub, as well as orchids and passion flowers to the native species painted...2018, Debra Lindsay, Maria Martin's World, page 144
5. Any of various individual trees that resemble a candelabrum.
   • The candelabra tree stands alone on the near bank of the Upper Ammonoosuc, which flows strongly through Groveton Village, rushing its way into maturity in the Connecticut River.2021, Judith Lunney Merriam, Seasons of Discernment and Praise: God’s Word, My Heart’s Song
6. A decorative motif of a stylized tree with symmetric branches having the appearance of a candelabrum.
   • The Islamic variation of the candelabra tree, as seen on the stucco object, is further abstracted in the decoration of the later Susa bowl.1968, American Research Center in Egypt, Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt, page 122