Also known as thunder tree, Ligustrum is his name in Latin and refers to ligare, which means to bind, while lucidum means glossy, shiny, alluding to the brightness of its leaves. Originally from China, it was introduced in the gardens of Europe in the Middle Ages, perhaps because of the beauty and fragrance of its small but showy flowers. In Sevilla, like in other cities, it was abundant as street tree, due to its high resistance to atmospheric pollution. In China its wood is known as 'white wax wood' and is commonly used to make stilts and martial arts weapons. Its fruits are used as a medicinal remedy and as a tonic ‘yin’. Its roasted seeds have been used as a substitute for coffee.