Nyssa

/ˈnɪsə/ noun

Definition

A genus of trees that includes the tupelo and sour gum, known for their colorful fall foliage and growing in wetlands.

Etymology

From Greek 'nyssa,' a water nymph in Greek mythology. Linnaeus named the tree genus after nymphs because the trees love water and grow near water sources.

Kelly Says

Tupelo honey, made from Nyssa trees in southern swamps, is considered one of the world's finest honeys and was Elvis Presley's favorite—it's so valuable that beekeepers guard their locations like trade secrets.

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