Chrysobalanaceae

/ˌkrɪsoʊbəlænˈeɪsi/ noun

Definition

A family of tropical and subtropical flowering plants, commonly called cocoa plum or gopher apple, characterized by small yellow fruits.

Etymology

From Greek chrysos (gold) + balanos (acorn) plus -aceae (family suffix in plant taxonomy). The name references the golden-colored fruit resembling acorns.

Kelly Says

Plant taxonomists named this whole family Chrysobalanaceae because of the golden fruits, and some species are edible—it's one of those scientific names that actually describes what the plant looks like!

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