Cassina

/kəˈsiːnə/ noun

Definition

A native North American shrub or small tree (Ilex vomitoria) whose leaves were traditionally brewed into a ceremonial beverage by Indigenous peoples.

Etymology

From Timucua or other Southeastern Native American languages, where the plant was first used and named by indigenous peoples.

Kelly Says

Cassina is a relative of holly, and it was so important to southeastern tribes that they held 'black drink' ceremonies with it for purification before hunts and battles!

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