Dipteryx odorata
Dipteryx odorata
Dipteryx odorata (pronunciation: dip-ter-iks oh-doh-rah-tah), also known as cumaru or tonka bean, is a species of flowering tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. The tree is native to Central America and northern South America.
Etymology
The name Dipteryx is derived from the Greek words di (two) and pteryx (wing), referring to the two-winged fruit of the tree. Odorata is Latin for "fragrant", referring to the strong aroma of the tree's seeds.
Description
Dipteryx odorata is a large tree, reaching up to 30-40 meters in height. It has a dense, broad crown and a thick, cylindrical trunk. The leaves are compound, with 5-7 leaflets. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant. The fruit is a large, brown, two-winged pod containing a single seed, known as the tonka bean. The seed is black, wrinkled, and highly aromatic.
Uses
The tonka bean is used in various industries. In perfumery, it is valued for its sweet, vanilla-like fragrance. In cuisine, it is used as a flavoring agent in desserts and beverages. In traditional medicine, it is used to treat various ailments, including coughs, fevers, and snakebites.
Related Terms
- Fabaceae: The pea family, to which Dipteryx odorata belongs.
- Tonka bean: The seed of Dipteryx odorata, used in perfumery, cuisine, and traditional medicine.
- Coumarin: A fragrant organic compound found in high concentrations in the tonka bean.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dipteryx odorata
- Wikipedia's article - Dipteryx odorata
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