How Do You Spell ANTIARIS TOXICARIA?

Pronunciation: [ˌantɪˈaɹɪs tˌɒksɪkˈe͡əɹi͡ə] (IPA)

The correct spelling of "Antiaris toxicaria" can be challenging to remember. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ˌæntiˈærɪs tɒksɪˈkɛəriə/. The first syllable is pronounced as "an-ti," followed by the stress on the second syllable, which is pronounced as "air-is." The last part of the word is formed by "toxic," pronounced as "tok-sik," and "aria" pronounced as "a-ree-a." Therefore, to accurately spell and pronounce "Antiaris toxicaria," it's important to break down the word into its composite sounds and syllables.

ANTIARIS TOXICARIA Meaning and Definition

1. Antiaris toxicaria is a large evergreen tree known for its toxic properties and belongs to the family Moraceae. It is native to various regions of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. This tree species is commonly referred to as the Upas tree.

   Antiaris toxicaria is characterized by its dense foliage, reaching heights of up to 30 meters. The tree bears simple, alternate leaves that are elliptical in shape and have a glossy green appearance. Additionally, the Upas tree produces small, round fruits that are green initially but turn black when mature.

   Despite its aesthetically pleasing nature, Antiaris toxicaria is highly poisonous. It contains a potent toxin called antiarin, which is present in various parts of the tree, particularly the milky sap that flows from wounds or incisions on the bark. This sap is so toxic that it has historically been used for poisoning arrows and darts by indigenous tribes.

   Ingesting any part of the Antiaris toxicaria tree can cause severe health complications or even be fatal. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, respiratory distress, paralysis, and in extreme cases, cardiac arrest. Therefore, the tree should be avoided and treated with caution, as accidental exposure to its toxins can have dire consequences.

   In summary, Antiaris toxicaria is a lethal tree species native to Southeast Asia. Its striking appearance contradicts its hazardous nature due to the presence of the toxic compound antiarin.

Etymology of ANTIARIS TOXICARIA

The word "Antiaris toxicaria" is derived from two different sources: "antiaris" and "toxicaria".

1. "Antiaris" is the name of a genus of trees in the family Moraceae (mulberry family). It comes from the Greek word "antiaris", which means "a plant resembling a fig tree". The name reflects the similarity of the trees in this genus to fig trees in appearance.

2. "Toxicaria" is derived from the Latin word "toxicum", meaning "poison". It refers to the poisonous nature of the tree. The suffix "-aria" is often used in taxonomy to indicate a connection or characteristic.

Overall, the term "Antiaris toxicaria" describes a tree belonging to the Antiaris genus known for its poisonous properties.