Chrosperma

/krɔːˈspɜːrmə/ noun

Definition

A genus of Pacific Northwest conifers (evergreen trees) closely related to the western redcedar, valued for their durable wood.

Etymology

From Greek 'chroos' (color) and 'sperma' (seed), likely referring to the colored seeds. The genus was named in the 19th century to reflect the tree's seed characteristics.

Kelly Says

Chrosperma is actually another name for Thuja plicata, the western redcedar, and its wood is so rot-resistant it can last centuries underground—Native Americans have used it for thousands of years, and archaeologists still find perfectly preserved wooden artifacts!

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