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Glite Dictionary
Phytelephas

Phytelephas

9.9
A small group of South American palm trees whose hard seeds are used like ivory
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Phytelephas
  • The seeds of Phytelephas are harvested to make buttons and ornaments.

Examples

  • Several species within the Phytelephas genus are valued for their sustainable ‘ivory’.

  • The Phytelephas tree is often called the ivory palm.

  • Botanists conducted a survey of Phytelephas palms in the Amazon region.

  • Many artisans use Phytelephas seeds to create beautiful crafts.

  • Botanists conducted a survey of Phytelephas palms in the Amazon region.

  • Several species within the Phytelephas genus are valued for their sustainable ‘ivory’.

  • The seeds of Phytelephas are harvested to make buttons and ornaments.

Compounds

Phytelephas macrocarpa
  • Specialized
9.9

A palm tree from Brazil and Peru that makes hard nuts used like ivory

Surface Forms

Phytelephas singular
Phytelephases plural

Etymology

The word Phytelephas comes from the Greek parts phyto- 'plant' and elephas 'elephant'. Its name means 'plant elephant' because the palm's hard seeds look like elephant ivory, so they are used as 'vegetable ivory' for buttons and ornaments.