MANILKARA BIDENTATA Meaning and
Definition
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Manilkara bidentata, commonly known as the bulletwood tree or balata tree, is a tropical hardwood tree belonging to the Sapotaceae family. It is native to the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. The name "Manilkara" is derived from the combination of the Latin words "manilla" (a gum-resin) and "kara"(a Sanskrit term for gum tree), indicating its ability to exude a gummy latex. "Bidentata" refers to the tree's two-pronged leaves.
The bulletwood tree is a large, evergreen species that can reach heights of up to 30 meters. It has a straight, cylindrical trunk covered by grayish-brown bark. The leaves are glossy, leathery, and dark green, with a distinctive pair of pointed lobes at their tips. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers that develop into ellipsoid fruits, containing one or two large, flat seeds.
Manilkara bidentata is renowned for its high-quality, dense hardwood, which is commercially valuable for various applications. The wood is extremely durable, resistant to decay, and possesses excellent strength properties. It is commonly used in construction, boat building, furniture making, and for manufacturing tool handles. Additionally, the tree's latex has been historically harvested for its commercial value as balata gum, used in the production of various products such as golf balls, industrial belts, and adhesives.
The bulletwood tree also holds cultural significance in indigenous communities, where its wood and latex have been used for traditional purposes like carvings, tool handles, and medicines. Furthermore, the tree provides important ecosystem services by contributing to forest structure and biodiversity, supporting a range of flora and fauna.
Common Misspellings for MANILKARA BIDENTATA
- nanilkara bidentata
- kanilkara bidentata
- janilkara bidentata
- mznilkara bidentata
- msnilkara bidentata
- mwnilkara bidentata
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- mabilkara bidentata
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- manolkara bidentata
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- man8lkara bidentata
- manikkara bidentata
- manipkara bidentata
Etymology of MANILKARA BIDENTATA
The word "Manilkara bidentata" is the scientific name for a tree popularly known as the bulletwood, balata, or simply Manilkara. The etymology of this name can be broken down as follows:
1. Manilkara: The genus name "Manilkara" is derived from a combination of two words. The first part, "Manil", is believed to be derived from the name of Alexandre Emmanuel Louis Pierre de Manille, a French botanist who collected botanical specimens in French Guiana. The second part, "kara", is derived from the Carib word "Kara", which means "tree". Thus, "Manilkara" can be interpreted as "Manille's tree".
2. bidentata: The species name "bidentata" is derived from the Latin words "bis" meaning "twice" and "dentatus" meaning "toothed".
