Definition

Noun 1. A large tropical tree: Refers specifically to a large tree (Sterculia foetida) native to the Old World tropics, characterized by foul-smelling orange-red flowers and red seed pods. 2. The seeds of this tree: The oil-rich seeds contained within the red pods, which are sometimes used as food.

Usage Examples

• Noun (referring to the tree):
  • The java olives in the botanical garden are known for their distinctive, unpleasant-smelling blossoms.
  • A mature java olives can provide significant shade.
• Noun (referring to the seeds):
  • The seeds of the java olives, once processed, can be eaten.
  • Local communities sometimes harvest java olives for their oil content.

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used in botanical, horticultural, or specific regional contexts to identify the tree or its seeds. It is not a common name for a widely consumed food item.
• The strong descriptor "foul-smelling" is often associated with the blossoms of the java olives tree in scientific and descriptive texts.

Variants and Related Words

• Sterculia foetida: The formal botanical (Latin) name for the java olives tree.
• Indian almond, Java olive: Alternative common names for the same species.
• Skunk tree: An informal name referencing the odor of its flowers.

Synonyms

• Sterculia foetida (scientific name)
• Indian almond
• Java olive

Notes on Meaning

• It is critical to distinguish java olives from the common olive (). They are entirely different plant species from different families and regions. The name is a source of potential confusion.
• The "olives" in the name refers only to the approximate size and oil content of the seeds, not to their taste, culinary use, or relation to true olives.

Noun

1. large tree of Old World tropics having foul-smelling orange-red blossoms followed by red pods enclosing oil-rich seeds sometimes used as food