Meaning of three-cornered jack | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A weed of species Emex australis.
   Australia
2. A seed vessel of this plant, which has three symmetrically arranged thorns and a pointed head.

Examples

“1901, South Australian Department of Agriculture, South Australian Department of Industry, Journal of Agriculture and Industry of South Australia, Volume 4, page 385, The “Three-cornered jack/Devils thorn” (Emex australis) is believed to be poisonous to them, as many dead locusts are found near to each plant⟳.”

“Many chemicals are being tested at Mildura in an attempt⟳ to control⟳ some of the more difficult weeds such as hard-head thistle (Centaurea repens) and three cornered jack/Devils thorn (Emex australis).”

“There is also the three-cornered jack, which runs along the ground and has somewhat fleshy green leaves. The seed vessels have⟳ four spikes like⟳ those of the iron⟳ caltrops which used to be laid down to cripple the horses of charging cavalry.”

“For example, three-cornered jack or double-gee (Emex australis) infests grain crops and reduces grain yield⟳, and the spiny fruits cause severe contamination of produce⟳ such as vine fruits, peas and lupins in storage.”

CEFR level