African holly

noun

in California
: an arborescent woolly-stemmed biennial herb (Solanum giganteum) that is native to India but is grown in many warm regions as an ornamental for its large leaves with silky-white undersurface, clusters of showy blue or lilac flowers, and bright red fruits resembling holly berries

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Word History

First Known Use

circa 1810, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of African holly was circa 1810

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Dictionary Entries Near African holly

African hemp

African holly

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Cite this Entry

“African holly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/African%20holly. Accessed 19 Aug. 2022.

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