Evergreen shrub or small tree, Myrtus communis, characterized by aromatic leaves and white flowers; primarily denotes the myrtle plant known for its pleasant fragrance and ceremonial use.

Etymology Uncertain etymology. The word is not transparently derived from a common Semitic root in Biblical Hebrew, and no cognate forms are attested elsewhere in Semitic languages. The relationship between 'הֲדַס' and the plant's characteristics or function is unclear.

Reflexes  · not yet grouped by proto-form

LanguageWordMeaningSegmentationRoot
Kikongo ndasi a type of small aromatic shrub (not always myrtle, but includes shrubby plants with fragrant uses in rituals) ndasi
Kimbundu ndaji / ndashi medicinal plant
Lingala ndá botanical lexicon often nasal-prefixed
Umbundu ondasi plant name