hymenodictyon

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. A genus of dicotyledonous gamopetalous trees or shrubs, of the natural order Rubiaceæ, tribe Cinchoneæ, characterized by having the stigma fusiform, the flowers in branching paniculate spikes, with foliaceous bracts, and opposite, reticulated, long-petioled leaves. About 5 species are known, natives of tropical Asia and Africa. The bark of H. excelsum of India has been used as a substitute for cinchona bark, but it is of little value. The wood is used for making agricultural implements, etc.