Qalina (pronounced "kaleena") is Ukrainian for viburnum, a plant similar to cranberry. In spite of its bitter taste, it is used in food and medicine. It is also used as a decorative plant, loved for its resilience and beauty.

Similarly, the influences on Qalina's poetry and music vary from her Slavic roots to Celtic motifs, from jazz, rock to classical and from Shakespeare to Leonard Cohen.

Like viburnum it has "burn" hidden in it with a story to tell and bitter lyrics, sweetened by fresh

melodies.