Cajuput

/ˈkædʒəpʌt/ noun

Definition

A tropical evergreen tree from Southeast Asia whose wood is used for timber and whose oil has medicinal properties.

Etymology

From Malay 'kayu putih' meaning 'white wood,' where 'kayu' = wood and 'putih' = white. The term entered English through trade with Malaysia and Indonesia, reflecting the tree's pale wood color.

Kelly Says

Cajuput oil (also called cajeput oil) has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and it's literally called 'white wood' in Malay because fresh wood is remarkably pale.

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