devil's backbone

Noun

devil's backbone (uncountable)

1. A perennial succulent spurge, native to tropical and subtropical North and Central America, of species Euphorbia tithymaloides (formerly known as Pedilanthus tithymaloides).
   • Among the ornamentals that are commonly seen in but not native to Indonesia are a pink-flowered Dombeya, some Bauhinias or orchid trees, […] and trumpet vine. To this list may also be added yellow Allamanda, some kinds of Hibiscus, an Aloe, crown of thorns, shrimp plant, "Singapore holly" (neither...1973, Wilfred T. Neill, Twentieth-century Indonesia, Columbia University Press, →ISBN, page 74
   • Some say the flowers of devil's backbone look like cardinals perched around a feeder, each flower a long-tailed red teardrop that gives rise to another common name, red bird cactus.2012 August 15, Nellie Neal, “Devil's Backbone (Euphorbia tithymaloides)”, in Gardener's Guide to Tropical Plants: Cool Ways to Add Hot Colors, Bold Foliage, and Striking Textures, Cool Springs...

   Synonyms:

   redbird cactus, slipperflower, zigzag plant