Exostema

/ˌɛk.soʊˈsti.mə/ noun

Definition

A genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae, native to tropical America.

Etymology

From Greek 'exo-' (outside) + 'stema' (stem/covering), referring to the external structure of the plant's reproductive organs. Named and classified in botanical taxonomy during the 18th-19th century.

Kelly Says

Exostema species are sometimes called 'horse sugarplum' or 'prince wood,' and they're used in traditional medicine throughout the Caribbean and Central America despite being relatively unknown outside the tropics.

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