butcher's broom
A low evergreen shrub (Ruscus aculeatus) with stiff, leaf-like branches and small greenish flowers. The name comes from the resemblance of its branches to the leaves of the 梛 (nagi) tree and its clustered growth to a raft (筏).
Butcher's broom is an unusual plant whose flowers bloom on branches that look like leaves.
Standard katakana spelling for this plant name.
Kanji spelling is rare; the plant name is usually written in katakana.
The Japanese name ナギイカダ (nagiikada) is a compound of 梛 (nagi, a tree with similar leaves) and 筏 (ikada, raft), referring to the plant's appearance. The English name 'butcher's broom' comes from its historical use by butchers to sweep their blocks.