A shrub or small tree (Ilex vomitoria or related species) native to the American South, traditionally used by indigenous peoples.
From Spanish 'aliso,' which may derive from Timucuan or other indigenous Southeastern languages. The Spanish adapted the native American plant name into their colonial terminology.
Aliso was used to make ceremonial drinks that caused vomiting as a purification ritual—the plant's Linnaean name 'vomitoria' literally means 'vomit-causing,' one of botany's most honest names ever.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.