Cyrilla

/sɪˈrɪlə/ noun

Definition

A genus of evergreen shrubs native to southeastern North America, with small white flowers and dark berries.

Etymology

Named after a Cyrenaic philosopher, though the exact dedication is debated among botanists. The genus was formally classified in the 18th century.

Kelly Says

Cyrilla racemiflora, called 'American holly' in some regions, was so valuable to early colonists that they harvested it intensively for dye and medicinal purposes.

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