Brucia

/ˈbruːʃə/ noun

Definition

A genus of tropical shrubs found in Mexico and Central America, with aromatic leaves and small flowers.

Etymology

Named in honor of botanist and physician Brucia (likely a Latinized family name from the 18th century), following the convention of naming plant genera after notable scientists.

Kelly Says

Brucia plants produce compounds that smell remarkably like almonds but contain potentially toxic chemicals—so smelling nice and being dangerous is their clever evolutionary strategy against being eaten.

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