How Do You Spell CAESALPINIA ECHINATA?

1. Caesalpinia echinata is a species of flowering tree belonging to the Fabaceae family. Commonly known as Pernambuco wood or pau-brasil, it is native to the Atlantic Forest in eastern Brazil. This tree grows up to 15-30 meters in height and has a dense, umbrella-shaped crown with feathery, bipinnate foliage.

   The most remarkable feature of Caesalpinia echinata is its vibrant red heartwood, which has long been prized for its exceptional color and durability. Due to its intense hue and resistance to decay, it has historically been sought after for fine woodworking, including the production of high-quality furniture and musical instruments. The wood is often referred to as "brazilwood" in English, as it was one of the main sources of dye for red clothing during the European Renaissance.

   Unfortunately, Pernambuco wood has become increasingly rare due to overexploitation and deforestation. As a result, the species is now protected and regulated in Brazil, with strict regulations on harvesting and exporting of the timber.

   Besides its economic importance, Caesalpinia echinata also plays a vital ecological role within its native habitat. Its flowers attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds, while its seeds are commonly dispersed by birds. This tree's presence contributes to the overall biodiversity and ecological balance of the Atlantic Forest ecosystem.

Common Misspellings for CAESALPINIA ECHINATA

The etymology of the word "Caesalpinia Echinata" comes from the combination of two parts: the genus name Caesalpinia and the species name Echinata.

The genus name Caesalpinia pays tribute to the Italian botanist Andrea Cesalpino (also spelled Caesalpinus or Cesalpinius), who was a prominent figure in the field of botany during the Renaissance. Andrea Cesalpino made significant contributions to plant classification and taxonomy, and his work influenced the development of botanical nomenclature. To honor his contributions, many plants have been named after him, including the genus Caesalpinia.

The second part of the name, Echinata, comes from the Latin word "echinus", which means "hedgehog" or "spiny". This refers to the plant's characteristic feature of having spines or thorny branches.