Rhatany
/ˈrætəni/noun
A South American shrub of the genus Krameria, especially valued historically for its tannin-rich medicinal root.
Did you know?Rhatany root became a traditional astringent because its unusually high tannin content could contract tissue and help reduce bleeding.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-Columbian period
Quechua
rataña
“A Quechua plant name, generally identified as the source of the later Spanish term; the precise literal sense is uncertain.”
16th Century
Spanish
ratania
“Name for the South American medicinal plant later classified as Krameria.”
16th Century
Latin botanical usage
ratanhia
“A Latinized form used in medicinal and botanical writing for the plant and its root.”
Late 16th Century
English
rhatany
“An English name for the shrub or its astringent root.”
Modern English
English
rhatany
“A common or medicinal name for Krameria species, particularly Krameria triandra.”