portia tree

noun

por·​tia tree

ˈpōrshə-

sometimes capitalized P

: a tropical tree (Thespesia populnea) that is closely related to the majaguas, has rounded cordate leaves and showy yellow and purple flowers, yields a valuable pinkish to dark red close-textured wood resistant to warping and an oil from its seeds, and is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental

called also bendy tree, seaside mahoe, tulip tree

Word History

Etymology

Tamil puraśu

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