bells of Ireland
noun
a plant, Molucella laevis, native to western Asia, having inconspicuous white flowers, each surrounded by an enlarged green calyx.
Also called
shellflower.
Origin of bells of Ireland
First recorded in 1955–60; so called from the bell-like green calyx
British Dictionary definitions for bells of ireland
bells of Ireland
noun
(functioning as singular)
an annual garden plant, Moluccella laevis, whose flowers have a green cup-shaped calyx: family Lamiaceae (labiates)