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Piscidia

Piscidia

9.9
A tropical shrub or small tree with pods that contain black seeds and bark used to poison fish
  • noun
  • /pɪˈsɪdiə/
  • Specialized
: Piscidia
  • The bark of Piscidia has traditionally been used by indigenous people as a natural fish poison.

Examples

  • Botanists recently identified several new species within the Piscidia genus in Central America.

  • The Piscidia tree is also valued for its medicinal properties in some herbal traditions.

  • The Piscidia tree is known for its unique pods.

  • Many fishermen use Piscidia bark to catch fish.

  • The bark of Piscidia is commonly used by local fishermen to create fish poisons for their catch.

  • Many cultures have used Piscidia roots as a traditional remedy for various ailments.

  • Scientists are studying the Piscidia genus to discover new properties of its unique seeds.

Compounds

Piscidia piscipula
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A small Caribbean and Florida tree with divided leaves, purple flowers, and seedpods used to stun fish

Piscidia erythrina
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A small tree from the Caribbean and Florida with red-striped flowers and winged seedpods used to make fish poison

Surface Forms

Piscidia singular
Piscidias plural

Etymology

Piscidia comes from Latin parts piscis ('fish') and -cida ('killer'), the same '-cide' you see in insecticide or homicide. So, Piscidia literally means 'fish killer', which fits the tree because its bark and roots were used as a natural fish poison.