Joshua tree

 
Pronunciation: /ˈʤɒʃjʊə/

noun

  • a yucca which grows as a tree and has clusters of spiky leaves, native to arid regions of south-western North America.
    • Yucca brevifolia, family Agavaceae

Origin:

mid 19th century: apparently from Joshua (Josh. 8:18), the plant being likened to a man brandishing a spear