Definition

Noun: 1. A South American tree: A species of tree native to the dry interior regions of Argentina and Paraguay, known scientifically as Bulnesia sarmienti. 2. A source of resinous wood: The tree is valued for its heartwood, which is rich in resin. This fragrant, dense wood is used to produce incense and other aromatic products.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Bulnesia sarmienti is well-adapted to arid climates.
  • The essential oil is distilled from the wood of Bulnesia sarmienti.
  • The incense was made from the resinous heartwood of Bulnesia sarmienti.

Advanced Usage

• Common Name: This tree is more commonly known as "palo santo" (Spanish for "holy wood"). In commercial and aromatic contexts, it is almost exclusively referred to by this name.
  • Palo santo, or Bulnesia sarmienti, has been used traditionally for its scent.

Variants and Related Words

• Palo Santo: The standard common name for .
• Guaiac wood: A related term sometimes used for woods from trees in the family, which includes . However, true guaiacum comes from different genera ().

Synonyms

• Palo santo: Holy wood (direct translation and common name).

Notes on Meaning

• Not to be confused: It is important to distinguish (palo santo) from , a different tree species from South America that is also commonly called "palo santo." The two trees have different botanical families and properties, though both are used for their aromatic wood.

Noun

1. South American tree of dry interior regions of Argentina and Paraguay having resinous heartwood used for incense