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Glite Dictionary
Alstonia scholaris

Alstonia scholaris

9.9
A tall evergreen tree from eastern Asia with large leaves and bark used in medicine
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Alstonia scholaris
  • The bark of Alstonia scholaris has been traditionally used in herbal medicine.

Examples

  • Alstonia scholaris is often planted as an ornamental tree in tropical regions.

  • Botanists identified the specimen as Alstonia scholaris during their survey in the forest.

  • The Alstonia scholaris tree is known for its medicinal properties.

  • Many herbalists use Alstonia scholaris bark in their remedies.

  • The bark of Alstonia scholaris has been used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments.

  • In Southeast Asia, Alstonia scholaris is valued for its large leathery leaves and fragrant flowers.

  • Many herbalists include Alstonia scholaris in their natural remedies due to its medicinal properties.

Synonyms

devil tree
vsAlstonia scholaris
  • Indian
9.9

A tall tropical tree from eastern Asia and the Philippines with glossy leaves and small white flowers

is the Latin scientific name used in formal naming of the species
dita
vsAlstonia scholaris
  • Philippine
9.9

An evergreen tree from eastern Asia and the Philippines with large leathery leaves and bark used in traditional medicine

is the formal Latin name used in scientific and official contexts
dita bark
vsAlstonia scholaris
  • Philippine
9.9

An evergreen tree from eastern Asia and the Philippines with large leathery leaves and small green white flower clusters

is the general species name emphasizing the tree rather than only its bark

Surface Forms

Alstonia scholaris singular
Alstonia scholarises plural

Morphology

Alstonia + scholaris

This is a scientific Latin binomial (genus + species) functioning as a proper name rather than a compositional phrase; its specific meaning (an evergreen tree native to eastern Asia with medicinal bark) cannot be derived from the literal meanings of the parts. Even if a learner knew 'Alstonia' as a type of tree, the species epithet 'scholaris' does not transparently convey the tree's properties or distribution, so the overall meaning is unpredictable to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Alstonia scholaris is a scientific name made of a person's name and a Latin word: Alstonia is named for the plant scientist Alston, and scholaris means 'scholar'. One popular idea is that the tree was used by medical 'scholars', so the name links the man and the idea of 'scholar' and that is why this name refers to the tree today.