Aragallus

/ˌærəˈɡæləs/ noun

Definition

A genus of plants in the legume family, commonly called milk vetch, native to western North America.

Etymology

From Spanish/Catalan 'aragon' combined with Latin 'gallus' (rooster or Gaul). The genus name reflects a regional name and taxonomic naming conventions, likely named after plants from the Aragon region.

Kelly Says

Aragallus plants contain toxic alkaloids that can poison livestock—but some Native Americans used them medicinally in tiny amounts. It's the classic plant paradox: poison and medicine are often just different doses!

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