Ratany
/ˈrætəni/noun
A South American shrub of the genus Krameria, especially one whose tannin-rich root was formerly used medicinally.
Did you know?Ratany root was historically used to produce an astringent extract, and its intense tannin content could give preparations a dark reddish color.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-Columbian period
Quechua
ratany
“Name for a South American shrub; the precise original sense is uncertain.”
16th–17th Century
Spanish
ratania
“Name for the plant imported or described from South America.”
18th Century
Botanical Latin
Krameria
“Scientific genus name assigned to ratany plants.”
1769
English
ratany
“A shrub of the genus Krameria, particularly valued for its medicinal root.”
Modern English
English
ratany
“A South American shrub or its tannin-rich root used in traditional medicine and botanical preparations.”