flame nettle

noun

: a coleus (especially Plectranthus scutellarioides synonym Coleus blumei) grown as an ornamental for its bright-colored foliage

Coleus, or flame nettle, comes in a rambunctious collection of colorations in its shaggy heart-shaped leaves.

—Diane Heilenman, Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky), 30 May 2002

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

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