Brabejum

/brəˈbeɪdʒəm/ noun

Definition

A large African shrub or tree (Brabejum stellatifolium) that produces oily nuts similar to macadamia nuts.

Etymology

From Afrikaans 'brabejum,' likely derived from a Khoisan language indigenous to South Africa. The botanical Latin name preserves this regional origin. Also known as wild almond or bitter almond tree.

Kelly Says

The brabejum nut was cultivated by indigenous southern African peoples for thousands of years, and early Dutch colonists adopted it—it's one of the few English food words that came from Khoisan languages.

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