On Mon, 1 Nov 1993, Rick Walker wrote:
>
> > cal.trop \'kal-tr<e>p, 'k<o.>l-\also cal.throp \-thr<e>p\ n (bef. 12c)
> > [ME calketrappe star thistle, fr. OE calcatrippe, fr. ML calcatrippa]
>
> No one has mentioned this, but there is an aquatic caltrope that is used
> as a nut in chinese cooking. The very woody pod is reminiscent of
> a demonic bull's head and is about 4cm across the "horns". You can find
> them for sale in various chinese specialty shops. They are usually prepared
> by boiling and shelling.
>
> --
> Rick
>