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Reference.org
Antiaris
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<p><i>Antiaris toxicaria</i> is a tree in the mulberry and fig family, <a href="/facts/Moraceae/nFn8SjK7">Moraceae</a>. It is the only species currently recognized in the genus <i>Antiaris</i>. The genus <i>Antiaris</i> was at one time considered to consist of several species, but is now regarded as just one variable species which can be further divided into five subspecies. One significant difference within the species is that the size of the fruit decreases as one travels from Africa to Polynesia. <i>Antiaris</i> has a remarkably wide distribution in tropical regions, occurring in Australia, tropical Asia, tropical Africa, Indonesia, the Philippines, Tonga, and various other tropical islands. Its seeds are spread by various birds and bats, and it is not clear how many of the populations are essentially invasive. The species is of interest as a source of wood, bark cloth, and pharmacological or toxic substances. </p>