The Chinese word for "cactus," **仙人掌** (xiānrénzhǎng), is a semantically formed compound that translates literally to "immortal's palm." It is constructed from three characters: **仙** (xiān), meaning immortal or celestial being; **人** (rén), meaning person; and **掌** (zhǎng), meaning palm or hand. This name is a vivid metaphor, likely originating from the plant's distinctive shape, where its fleshy pads resemble the open hand of a mythical immortal, combined with its remarkable ability to survive in harsh, arid environments—a trait metaphorically associated with the enduring nature of a divine being.