Cinnamodendron

/ˌsɪnəmoʊˈdɛndroʊn/ noun

Definition

A genus of tropical trees native to Madagascar, related to cinnamon but producing different spices and medicinal compounds.

Etymology

From cinnam- (cinnamon) + dendron (Greek for 'tree'). Named botanically because of its relationship to cinnamon trees, though it produces distinct species.

Kelly Says

Cinnamodendron trees are living fossils of the ancient spice trade—they grow on Madagascar, an island so isolated that it preserved plant families that went extinct elsewhere, including cinnamon's strange cousins.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.