The name Hollywood, California is derived from the small, bright red, holly-like pomes of California holly, a common native shrub in the hills where the city was established. California holly is not related to true holly, a member of the holly family.
The fruits of California holly are about the size of a pencil erasure. They resemble miniature apples. Like true apples, the freshly-cut fruit readily becomes oxidized and turns yellowish-brown in the air. Yes, they are edible.