either of two shrubs or small trees in the genus Symplocos, with 320 species, of the family Symplocaceae. S. paniculata, also known as sapphire berry, is a shrub or small tree native to eastern Asia but cultivated in other regions. It bears white, fragrant flowers in clusters 5–7.5 cm (2–3 inches) long. The fleshy, bright blue fruit is about 1 cm (0.4 inch) in diameter. S. tinctoria, also known as sweetleaf, is a shrub or small tree native to southeastern North America. The yellow, fragrant flowers are about 1 cm across and are borne in dense clusters. The oblong, orange-brown fruit is about 1 cm in diameter. The plant yields a yellow dye.