What is "caesalpinia echinata"

Lima \Li"ma\ (l[=e]"m[.a] or l[imac]"m[.a]), n. The capital city of Peru, in South America. Lima bean. (Bot.)

1. A variety of climbing or pole bean ( Phaseolus lunatus), which has very large flattish seeds.

2. The seed of this plant, much used for food.

   Lima wood (Bot.), the beautiful dark wood of the South American tree C[ae]salpinia echinata.

Brazil wood \Bra*zil" wood`\, Brazilwood \Bra*zil"wood`\(br[.a]*z[i^]l" w[oo^]d`). [OE. brasil, LL. brasile (cf. Pg. & Sp. brasil, Pr. bresil, Pr. bresil); perh. from Sp. or Pg. brasa a live coal (cf. Braze, Brasier); or Ar. vars plant for dyeing red or yellow. This name was given to the wood from its color; and it is said that King Emanuel, of Portugal, gave the name Brazil to the country in South America on account of its producing this wood.]

1. The wood of the oriental C[ae]salpinia Sapan; -- so called before the discovery of America.

2. A very heavy wood of a reddish color, imported from Brazil and other tropical countries, for cabinet-work, and for dyeing. The best is the heartwood of Caesalpinia echinata, a leguminous tree; but other trees also yield it. An inferior sort comes from Jamaica, the timber of Caesalpinia Braziliensis and Caesalpinia crista. This is often distinguished as Braziletto, but the better kind is also frequently so named. The wood is also used for violin bows.

3. a tropical tree ( Caesalpinia echinata) with a prickly trunk; its heavy red heartwood (also called brazilwood) yields a red dye and is used for cabinetry.

   Syn: peachwood, pernambuco wood.

Caesalpinia echinata is a species of Brazilian timber tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. Common names include Brazilwood, Pernambuco tree (Portuguese: Pau-Brasil, Pau de Pernambuco; Tupi Ibirapitanga). This plant has a dense, orange-red heartwood that takes a high shine, and it is the premier wood used for making bows for stringed instruments. The wood also yields a red dye called brazilin, which oxidizes to brazilein.

The name pau-brasil (Middle Latin lignum brasilium) was applied to other species of Caesalpinia in the medieval period, and transferred to Caesalpinia echinata in the 16th century. The name of Brazil is shortened from Terra do Brasil "land of brazilwood".