馬酔木

Etymology 1
The original kun'yomi pronunciation of this word was ashibi, now considered a variant reading.

The leaves of the plant were known to intoxicate horses when eaten, causing horses to stumble and become weak in the legs. As such, this word is most likely a contraction of.

The kanji means literally "horse intoxicating tree".

Noun

 * : Japanese andromeda, a flowering shrub native to Japan

Etymology 2
The on'yomi of the kanji spelling 馬酔木.

Noun

 * : Japanese andromeda, a flowering shrub native to Japan