Appalachian tea, Gallberry, Bitter gallberry, Inkberry
Ilex glabra
Family: Aquifoliaceae
What it is like
An evergreen shrub. It grows to 3 m high. It spreads about 3 m wide. The leaves are narrow and deep green. The flowers are small and white. The fruit are glossy and black.
There are about 400 Ilex species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 3-10. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, North America, Tasmania, USA
How it is used for food
The leaves are dried and roasted and used to make tea. They contain caffeine. The flowers yield a distinctive honey.
Edible parts
Leaves - tea
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed but germination is slow. They can also be grown from cuttings. It has roots near the soil surface so can be damaged by weeding and digging.