[In allusion to Gen. iii. 7.]
1. Popular name of the Yuccas (especially Yucca gloriosa), plants allied to the Aloes, cultivated as garden flowers.
1861. Delamer, Flower Gard., 158. Yucca—Adam’s Needle—In appearance, something between dwarf Palm-trees and Aloes.
1872. Oliver, Elem. Bot., II. 260. The Crown-Imperial, Asphodels, and Yucca or Adam’s Needle, belong to the order [Liliaceæ].
2. Occ. name of the plant more commonly known as Shepherd’s Needle (Scandix Pecten-Veneris). ‘From the long needle-like fruits.’ Britten, Plant-Names.
