The word "Cephaelis" is an interesting one, as its spelling differs from how it is pronounced. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is represented as /sɛˈfeɪlɪs/. The "ae" combination is pronounced as a single vowel sound, "ɛɪ", and the "ph" combination makes an "f" sound. This is because "Cephaelis" is actually derived from the Greek word "kephalē," meaning "head," and "ailos," meaning "wormwood." Despite its complicated spelling, "Cephaelis" is a fascinating word that has been used for centuries to describe a genus of plants in the coffee family.
Cephaelis is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Rubiaceae. It is a diverse genus that includes approximately 40 species of small, evergreen trees and shrubs. These plants are primarily found in tropical regions of Central and South America, specifically in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador.
The genus Cephaelis is characterized by its opposite leaves and tubular, white or yellow flowers. These flowers are typically arranged in clusters and have a conspicuous corolla. The fruit of Cephaelis plants is usually a small, round or elongated capsule containing several seeds. The bark of certain species in this genus is known to possess medicinal properties and has been used traditionally in the preparation of herbal remedies.
Cephaelis species are valued for their economic importance, particularly for the presence of alkaloids in their leaves and stems. Many species, such as Cephaelis ipecacuanha, are cultivated for their medicinal compounds, which have been used as emetics and expectorants in the treatment of respiratory ailments. The active constituents in these plants are mainly derived from the rootstocks.
In summary, Cephaelis is a diverse genus of flowering plants found in tropical regions of Central and South America. It is known for its opposite leaves, tubular flowers, and economical importance due to the presence of medicinal alkaloids in certain species.
A genus of tropical plants of the order Rubiaceae, two species of which.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Cephaelis" is derived from ancient Greek. It is a combination of two Greek words, "kephalē" meaning "head" or "top" and "aellō" meaning "to grind". The word "Cephaelis" refers to a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae, commonly known as coffee. The etymology of the word reflects the shape and use of the plant, as it was often associated with grinding the seeds (coffee beans) to produce a beverage.