Long-John

Long-John (plural Long-Johns)

1. Alternative form of Long John (tree).
   • 1883, Everard F[erdinand] im Thurn, “Aspects of Plant-Life. […]”, in Among the Indians of Guiana: Being Sketches Chiefly Anthropologic from the Interior of British Guiana, London: Kegan Paul, Trench & Co., […], page 104:

     Accordingly, yet further back, but still on the spit, a few Long-Johns (Triplaris surinamensis) rise singly; for these, less enduring than the true forest trees, but more so than the trumpet-woods, grow on the soil deposited by the latter, and in their turn prepare the soil for more noble products.

   • 1885 November 7, G. Layard, “First Impressions of Tropical Plants: VIII.—Berbice.”, in The Gardeners’ Magazine: […], volume XXVIII, number 1,071, London, page 642, column 1:

     Now and then a Long-John, Triplaris surinamensis, in full bloom adds variety to the picture, but, strange to say, the monotony of the river scenery makes its richness all the more impressive. The blossom of the Long-John is not particularly pretty when closely examined, but a tall tree completely covered with these long whitish spikes, which gradually turn pink, has a decidedly pleasing effect.

   • 1934, Annals of the Carnegie Museum‎, volumes 22-23, page 31:

     However, among the indigenous plants about the city may be found the great Silk-Cotton Tree, Bombax pentandrum, from the large fruit capsules of which is obtained the kapok of commerce; the Sand-Box Tree, Hura crepitans, also a large tree; the Hog Plum, Spondias lutea; and the Long-John, Triplaris surinamensis.