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Glite Dictionary
Hibiscus elatus

Hibiscus elatus

9.9
A tall forest tree from Cuba and Jamaica with orange flowers and strong wood used for furniture
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Hibiscus elatus
  • The wood of Hibiscus elatus is highly prized by cabinetmakers for its durability and color.

Examples

  • The vibrant orange-red flowers of Hibiscus elatus make it a popular choice for reforestation projects.

  • In Jamaica, Hibiscus elatus is commonly known as the Blue Mahoe.

  • The Hibiscus elatus grows tall in tropical climates.

  • Many people admire the beauty of the Hibiscus elatus flowers.

  • The wood of Hibiscus elatus is valued for making strong and beautiful furniture.

  • In Jamaica, Hibiscus elatus is appreciated for its striking orange-yellow flowers.

  • Cabinetmakers often choose Hibiscus elatus timber for its fine grain and durability.

Synonyms

Cuban bast
vsHibiscus elatus
  • UK
9.9

A tree from Cuba and Jamaica with hairy leaves and orange flowers used for furniture and gunstocks

is the same species but referred to by a different common name
blue mahoe
vsHibiscus elatus
  • UK
9.9

An evergreen tree from Cuba and Jamaica with orange flowers and hard wood used to make furniture

is similar but its description does not state evergreen
majagua
vsHibiscus elatus
  • US
9.9

A tropical tree with strong wood and fibers used for making furniture and rope

is narrower, focusing on moderately dense timber for cabinetwork and gunstocks
mahoe
vsHibiscus elatus
  • New Zealand
9.9

A tropical tree with strong wood used for making furniture

is more specific about timber use in cabinetwork and gunstocks
mahagua
vsHibiscus elatus
  • UK
9.9

A tropical tree with strong wood used for furniture and decoration

emphasizes timber use rather than ornamental or fiber purposes

Surface Forms

Hibiscus elatus singular
Hibiscus elatuses plural

Morphology

Hibiscus + elatus

This is a Latin binomial combining the English-recognized genus name 'Hibiscus' with a Latin species epithet ('elatus') that is not an English word; a B1 learner who knows 'Hibiscus' but not Latin will not be able to derive the full meaning (an erect forest tree native to Cuba and Jamaica) from the parts. Scientific names follow taxonomic conventions rather than standard English compositional semantics, so the specific referent and descriptive details are opaque to learners without specialist knowledge.

Etymology

Hibiscus elatus combines Hibiscus, the old name for mallow plants, and the Latin word elatus meaning 'tall'. Imagine a tall mallow-like tree with bright orange-red flowers and strong wood; that image shows why this name fits the timber tree often called the 'Blue Mahoe'.