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Erythroxylon

Erythroxylon

9.9
A group of South American shrubs and small trees that includes the coca plant
  • noun
  • /ˌɛrɪˈθrɒksɪlən/
  • NSFW
translation icon : Erythroxylon
  • The coca plant, known scientifically as Erythroxylon coca, is the source of cocaine.

Examples

  • The coca plant, known scientifically as Erythroxylon coca, is widely used in traditional medicine.

  • The genus Erythroxylon includes several species commonly found in South America.

  • Researchers have studied Erythroxylon for its medicinal properties.

  • The Erythroxylon genus includes several important plants.

  • Did you know that Erythroxylon is the source of coca leaves?

  • Botanists classify Erythroxylon as part of the family Erythroxylaceae, which includes many shrubs and small trees.

  • Various species of Erythroxylon thrive in the warm climates of South America.

Synonyms

Erythroxylum
vsErythroxylon
  • NSFW
9.9

A group of South American small trees and shrubs including the coca plant

is an alternative spelling of the scientific name
genus Erythroxylon
vsErythroxylon
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of South American shrubs and small trees that includes the coca plant

is neutral about size rather than stressing largeness
genus Erythroxylum
vsErythroxylon
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of South American bushes and small trees that includes the coca bush

uses a broader word for the organism rather than the narrower bush

Compounds

A South American bush whose leaves are chewed in the Andes and make the drug cocaine

A South American shrub with leaves people use to make cocaine

genus Erythroxylon
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of South American shrubs and small trees that includes the coca plant

Surface Forms

Erythroxylon singular
Erythroxylons plural

Morphology

Erythroxylon = erythro + xylon

A scientific genus name formed from Greek combining forms (erythro- + xylon) that are not productive standalone English words for most learners, so the meaning is not transparently derivable by an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Erythroxylon comes from Greek parts erythro- ('red') and xylon ('wood'), so the name means 'red wood'. That's why it is the name for a group of South American shrubs and small trees, including the coca plant.