Definition

Noun 1. A tropical tree species: Andira inermis is a tree native to tropical regions of the Americas and West Africa. It is characterized by its shaggy, unpleasant-smelling bark, which is toxic. The tree produces strong, durable timber. Historically, its bark and seeds have been used in traditional medicine for their purgative, vermifuge (expelling intestinal worms), and narcotic properties.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Andira inermis is easily identified in the forest by its distinctive, rough bark.
  • Traditional healers sometimes used preparations from Andira inermis as a purgative.
  • The durable wood of Andira inermis is used in local construction.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical/ethnobotanical contexts: The name is used precisely to refer to this specific species within the genus . It is often discussed in scientific literature concerning tropical forestry, timber, or traditional medicinal plants.
  • The study documented the medicinal uses of Andira inermis among indigenous communities.

Variants and Related Words

• Common Names: This tree is known by several common names depending on the region, including cabbage bark, worm bark, angelin, and partridge wood. These names often refer to its bark characteristics or uses.
• Scientific Classification: It belongs to the genus Andira within the legume family, Fabaceae.

Synonyms

• Cabbage bark
• Angelin tree
• Worm bark tree

Note: These are common name synonyms, not scientific synonyms. The precise scientific name is Andira inermis.

Noun

1. tree with shaggy unpleasant-smelling toxic bark and yielding strong durable wood; bark and seeds used as a purgative and vermifuge and narcotic