PHYTELEPHAS Meaning and
Definition
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Phytelephas is a noun that refers to a genus of tropical palm trees native to the Americas, particularly found in the rainforests of South and Central America. The term is derived from the Greek words "phytos," meaning plant, and "elephas," meaning elephant, due to the resemblance of the tree's fruits to ivory elephant tusks.
Phytelephas trees are known for their economically valuable seeds, which are commonly referred to as vegetable ivory or tagua nuts. These seeds are produced in large, round, woody fruits that hang in clusters from the tree. Vegetable ivory has a similar appearance and texture to elephant ivory but is a sustainable alternative, making it highly sought after for various purposes, particularly for the production of buttons, beads, and other small objects.
The trees themselves can reach impressive heights, with their long, feather-like palm fronds creating a lush, tropical canopy. Phytelephas trees are notable for their slow growth rate, often taking several years to reach a significant size. Additionally, they require specific environmental conditions to thrive, including a warm tropical climate with high humidity and well-drained soil.
In addition to their commercial value, Phytelephas trees also play an important ecological role, providing habitat and food sources for various animal species. The trees' leaves are often used for thatching roofs, and the tree trunks can be utilized for construction or other purposes in local communities.
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A genus of American palm-like plants affording a milky juice, which hardens into a substance like ivory, and is known by the name vegetable ivory-known also by the name of Jagua plant.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PHYTELEPHAS
- ohytelephas
- lhytelephas
- -hytelephas
- 0hytelephas
- pgytelephas
- pbytelephas
- pnytelephas
- pjytelephas
- puytelephas
- pyytelephas
- phttelephas
- phgtelephas
- phhtelephas
- phutelephas
- ph7telephas
- ph6telephas
- phyrelephas
- phyfelephas
- phygelephas
Etymology of PHYTELEPHAS
The word "phytelephas" is derived from the ancient Greek words "phytón" meaning "plant" and "éléphas" meaning "ivory". Together, they form the term "phytelephas", which refers to a genus of palm trees known for their ivory-like seeds, also called vegetable ivory. These seeds have been historically used as a substitute for elephant ivory in various applications.
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