Ormosia Coarctata is a species of plant native to Southeast Asia. Its name may seem intimidating, but its spelling is straightforward once you understand the International Phonetic Alphabet. The first word, Ormosia, is pronounced [ɔːrˈmoʊsiə]. The second word, Coarctata, is pronounced [koʊˈɑrktətə]. Both words feature unique sounds, such as the "ʃ" sound in Coarctata, but overall their pronunciation is easy to learn with the help of the IPA. This knowledge can aid in botanical research and the sharing of information among plant enthusiasts.
Ormosia coarctata is a species of plant in the Fabaceae family, native to Southeast Asia and specifically found in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. It is commonly known as the "dragon's eye" or "green-heart tree."
This medium-sized tree can reach a height of about 10 to 20 meters. It is characterized by its glossy, dark green compound leaves, which are pinnate with 7 to 11 leaflets. The tree bears small, inconspicuous flowers that develop into long, cylindrical pods, typically measuring around 30 cm in length. These woody pods are light brown in color and contain hard black seeds. The seeds themselves, often referred to as "dragon's eyes" or "devil's eyes," are small in size and have a vibrant red color with a black spot resembling an eye.
Ormosia coarctata is highly valued for its dense and durable hardwood, known as green-heart wood. This wood is noted for its resistance to decay, making it a popular choice for construction and outdoor applications, such as railway ties, fence posts, and utility poles. Additionally, the tree is appreciated for its ornamental value, with its striking foliage and distinct seed pods adding beauty to gardens and landscapes.
However, it is important to highlight that the seeds should not be ingested, as they contain toxic compounds. The tree also possesses cultural significance in some regions and is believed to have various traditional medicinal uses.
The word "Ormosia coarctata" is a scientific name that refers to a plant species. In scientific nomenclature, the naming follows a binomial system, with the first part representing the genus and the second part representing the species.
The genus name "Ormosia" is derived from the Greek word "ormos", which means "chain" or "necklace", referring to the resemblance of the seeds of some species to beads or necklace links. This name was given due to the characteristic appearance of the seeds in this genus, which are often shiny, colorful, and shaped like beads.
The specific epithet "coarctata" is derived from the Latin word "coarctatus", meaning "compressed" or "narrowed". This name likely refers to the compressed or narrow shape of certain parts of the plant, such as the leaflets or pods.