Anonang

/ænəˈnæŋ/ noun

Definition

A tropical Philippine tree (Artabotrys hexapetalus or similar species) that produces fragrant flowers and is cultivated for ornamental purposes.

Etymology

From Tagalog or Philippine indigenous languages, representing a local name for the tree that entered English through colonial botanical literature. These indigenous plant names were systematically recorded by European botanists in the 1800s.

Kelly Says

Anonang is a perfect example of how European languages borrowed Asian plant names—the tree has multiple names in different Filipino dialects, but 'anonang' is what made it into English botanical texts! It's a fragrant climbing shrub that smells amazing at night.

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