Joshua tree
WordNet
noun
(1) A large branched arborescent yucca of southwestern United States having short leaves and clustered greenish white flowers
WiktionaryText
Etymology
Apparently from the resemblance of the tree to Joshua holding out his spear (Joshua 8:18: ‘And the LORD said unto Joshua, stretch out the spear that is in thy hand toward Ai; for I will give it into thine hand. And Joshua stretched out the spear that he had in his hand toward the city.’ KJV).
Noun
Joshua tree
- A yucca, Yucca brevifolia, of the southwestern U.S. with spiky leaves.