Black Drink Plant, Cassine, Yaupon, Cassena, Christmas tree bush, Carolina tea
Ilex vomitoria

Family: Aquifoliaceae

What it is like

A holly. It is a woody evergreen shrub. It grows 2-3 m high. The bark is grey. The leaves are shiny dark green above and paler underneath. They are 2-3 cm long by 6-12 mm wide. The leaves have a blunt tip and a rounded base. There are finely wavy teeth along the edge. The flowers are 5 mm wide. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The fruit are orange yellow berries.

There are about 400 Ilex species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 6-10. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, India, South America, North America, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The leaves are toasted then boiled to make tea. It contains caffeine. The leaves are also used for a syrup used in soft drinks. They are also used to flavour ice cream. Caution: The berries can cause vomiting.

Edible parts

Leaves, leaves - tea, caution

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Ilex cassine Walt. non Linn.;