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Glite Dictionary
Prunus ilicifolia

Prunus ilicifolia

9.9
An evergreen bush or small tree with spiny thick leaves and edible fruit like a small plum
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : cereza de hoja de acebo
  • The leaves of Prunus ilicifolia are thick and spiny, resembling those of holly.

Examples

  • Many birds are attracted to the fruit of Prunus ilicifolia in the wild.

  • Gardeners often plant Prunus ilicifolia for its drought resistance and ornamental value.

  • The Prunus ilicifolia thrives in California's coastal regions.

  • Many gardeners appreciate the Prunus ilicifolia for its ornamental value.

  • The fruit of the Prunus ilicifolia is edible and often enjoyed by people in California.

  • In California's parks, many visitors admire the beautiful white flowers of the Prunus ilicifolia tree.

  • The Prunus ilicifolia is known for its leathery leaves, making it a popular choice for drought-resistant gardens.

Synonyms

holly-leaved cherry
vsPrunus ilicifolia
  • US
9.8

An evergreen shrub or small tree with spiny leathery leaves and white flowers from California

is the botanical name for the same species rather than the common name
holly-leaf cherry
vsPrunus ilicifolia
  • US
8.7

A small evergreen shrub or tree with spiny leaves and white flowers

is the species name used in botanical texts rather than a nickname
evergreen cherry
vsPrunus ilicifolia
  • US
7.7

A small tree or shrub with spiny leaves that stay green all year and white flowers

is the scientific label for that plant not the everyday common term
Catalina cherry
vsPrunus ilicifolia
  • US
7.8

An evergreen shrub or small tree from Catalina Island that produces small dark red edible fruit

is the broader species found beyond the island not only that local form
islay
vsPrunus ilicifolia
  • US
9.9

A California evergreen tree with white flowers and small plum fruits

is the specific California species rather than the wider regional label

Surface Forms

Prunus ilicifolia singular
Prunus ilicifolia plural

Morphology

Prunus + ilicifolia

The binomial is compositional: 'Prunus' names the genus (trees/shrubs including plums) and 'ilicifolia' is a Latin epithet that literally means 'holly‑leaved' (ilex + folia). A learner who knew both constituents could infer it is a Prunus with holly‑like leaves, but the specific epithet is specialized botanical Latin rather than everyday English, so understanding depends on niche morphological/Latin knowledge and is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Prunus ilicifolia comes from Latin words: Prunus means 'plum' and ilicifolia means 'holly-leaved' or 'leaf like a holly'. The name paints a simple picture of a plum-like plant with thick, spiny leaves, which explains why it is an evergreen shrub with edible, plum-like fruit.