tiger's tail
Literal meaning: the tail of a tiger. Used as a set phrase or in figurative expressions.
gooseneck loosestrife
Plant name: Lysimachia clethroides. Usually written in katakana as オカトラノオ when referring to the full species name.
See also: オカトラノオ
Asplenium incisum (spleenwort)
Plant name: a species of spleenwort. Usually written in katakana as トラノオシダ when referring to the full species name.
See also: トラノオシダ
It's a dangerous act, like stepping on a tiger's tail.
Gooseneck loosestrife blooms white flowers in summer.
Asplenium incisum is a fern that grows on rocky areas in mountains.
Kanji spelling for the literal 'tiger's tail' meaning and as a base for plant names.
Katakana spelling is common for the plant names.
Compound of 虎 (tora, 'tiger') + の (possessive particle) + 尾 (o, 'tail'). The plant names derive from the resemblance of the flower spike or frond to a tiger's tail.