Holly

Holly is an evergreen tree belonging to the genus Ilex of the Aquifoliaceae family, reaching up to 13 meters in height. It originates from the subtropical regions and has a widespread distribution in China. The holly remains green all year round, is relatively cold-resistant, and does not shed its leaves in winter, hence its name. Holly bears small red or black berries, is highly resilient, and is commonly used for urban greening, courtyard gardens, and other decorative purposes. It grows in evergreen broad-leaved forests and at the forest edges on slopes at altitudes of 500 to 1000 meters.

Evergreen tree with an ovate crown, smooth greyish bark. Young branches are light green. Opposite leaves are oblong, thin herbaceous, with scattered shallow serrations along the margin, deep green on the surface with a glossy appearance. Flowers are solitary, unisexual, arranged in panicles, borne at the branch tips and axils of leaves, with pale purple-red color and a fragrant scent. Fruits are elliptical, deep red when ripe, persisting through winter. Commonly used as an ornamental tree in gardens across China, its wood is tough and used for fine crafts, toys, sculptures, tool handles, brush backs, and combs. The bark and seeds are also used in medicine.