Erythroxylon

/ˌɛrɪˈθrɑːksɪlɑːn/ noun

Definition

A genus of South American shrubs and trees that includes the coca plant, known for their reddish wood.

Etymology

From Greek 'erythros' (red) + 'xylon' (wood). The genus name describes the reddish-colored wood of these plants.

Kelly Says

The name literally means 'red wood,' but what made Erythroxylon historically important wasn't its timber—it was what its leaves contained that changed world history.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

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