Pterocarpus (genus)
- Scope note
- Genus of tropical trees containing over 30 species noted for their broadly winged circular fruits and including many kinds valued for their hard, often red, wood, some of which are padauk, amboyna, mukwa, barwood, or narra. Some species are used produce a fugitive red dyestuff containing santalin that has been used for textiles and tanning leather. The dye is soluble in alcohol, but insoluble in water. It was used commercially to produce mock turkey red dyes. The scientific name is a Latinized ancient Greek term meaning "winged fruit," in reference to the shape of the seed pod.
- Date of creation: 02-Sep-2024
Accepted term: 02-Sep-2024