Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tree species: "Picrasma excelsum" is the scientific name for a specific tree native to the West Indies.
   • Source of a medicinal substance: This tree is known for yielding a bitter extract historically used as a drug or tonic, commonly called Jamaica quassia.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The bark of Picrasma excelsum is used in traditional medicine.
  • Jamaica quassia, derived from Picrasma excelsum, is known for its intense bitterness.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical or pharmacological contexts: The term "Picrasma excelsum" is used formally in scientific literature to identify this specific species, distinguishing it from other quassia-yielding plants.
  • The study focused on the bioactive compounds isolated from Picrasma excelsum.

Variants and Related Words

• Jamaica quassia (n): The bitter drug or tonic obtained from the wood of the Picrasma excelsum tree.
  • Jamaica quassia is sometimes used as a natural insecticide.
• Quassia (n): A broader term for bitter substances derived from the wood of trees in the genera or .
  • The quassia from this region is particularly potent.

Synonyms

• Jamaica quassia tree: A common name for Picrasma excelsum.
• Bitterwood: A general name sometimes applied to trees yielding quassia, including Picrasma excelsum.

Related Phrases

• Yield Jamaica quassia: To produce the medicinal extract.
  • The tree is cultivated because it yields Jamaica quassia efficiently.

Noun

1. West Indian tree yielding the drug Jamaica quassia