Guapilla

/ɡwɑːˈpiːjə/ noun

Definition

A small tropical American tree or shrub, or its edible fruit with a sweet flavor similar to a mango.

Etymology

From Spanish guapilla, a diminutive form (with -illa suffix) derived from a larger tree name; the diminutive indicates this is a smaller or related species.

Kelly Says

The -illa suffix in Spanish is like adding 'little' to something—so guapilla literally means 'little guapa,' showing how Spanish colonizers categorized unfamiliar tropical plants!

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