tilos

Tilos is a term with more than one meaning, including a Spanish botanical sense and a geographic one. In Spanish, tilos is the plural form of tilo, the common name for trees of the genus Tilia, known in English as linden or basswood. Linden trees are deciduous and valued for their shade, fragrance, and timber. The leaves are typically heart-shaped with serrated edges, and the pale, fragrant blossoms are used to make herbal teas. The nectar of their flowers also attracts bees, making tilo trees important for honey.

In geographic usage, Tilos (Greek: Τήλος) refers to a Greek island in the Dodecanese, situated in the southeastern Aegean Sea. The island is relatively small and mountainous, with a sparse permanent population and a landscape of rocky hills, cliffs, and coves. It hosts traditional villages and a coastal town that serves as the main harbor. The local economy centers on tourism, agriculture, and fishing, with visitors drawn to its natural scenery, beaches, and historic religious sites.

Because the term tilos covers distinct topics, context is important to determine the intended meaning. Whether describing a linden tree or a Greek island, tilos conveys different cultural and natural significance.