cancer bush, noun phrase

Origin:
AfrikaansShow more Translation of Afrikaans kankerbos, see kankerbos.
Any of several species of shrub of the genus Sutherlandia of the Fabaceae, especially S. frutescens; kankerbos.
Note:
Formerly used medicinally for colds and stomach complaints, and believed to be a cure for cancer.
1888 A. Smith Contrib. to S. Afr. Materia Medica 95Sutherlandia frutescens..Cancer bush. This shrub has been brought forward recently as a remedy for cancer.
1913 C. Pettman Africanderisms 106Cancer bush, Sutherlandia frutescens, R. Br. This plant was supposed by the Dutch to be a remedy for cancer.
1917 R. Marloth Dict. of Common Names of Plants 18Cancer Bush, Sutherlandia frutescens. A half-shrub, 2–4 feet high...A much esteemed remedy, for various purposes, among the natives. Clinical experiments have not shown any specific action on cancer.
1949 Cape Argus 9 July (Mag. Sect.) 3This is where the..cancer bushes and chincherinchees for his rockeries are raised.
1966 E. Palmer Plains of Camdeboo 277The early settlers..used..the pretty little Sutherlandia humilis — the cancer bush — not only for cancer but for flu.
1973 Weekend Post 28 Apr. 6Sutherlandia frutescens..is commonly called the cancer bush — a rather unfortunate name for such an attractive shrub.
1988 M. Branch Explore Cape Flora 22The grey leaves of the cancer bush are split into many leaflets that can fold, and which are also less likely to be damaged by strong winds.
Any of several species of shrub of the genus Sutherlandia of the Fabaceae, especially S. frutescens; kankerbos.
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18881988

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Afrikaans
canary-biter, nounn.candelabra, nounn.
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