Dahoon holly
Ilex cassine

Family: Aquifoliaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 8 m tall. It has small sword shaped leaves. They are leathery and have shallow teeth. The leaves are 8-10 cm long. They have soft prickles along the edges. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The flowers are small and greenish white. They are held in small, hairy clusters near the ends of branches. The fruit are red berries.

There are about 400 Ilex species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in coastal swamps and moist, coastal forests. It can tolerate occasional flooding with fresh or brackish water. It suits hardiness zones 6-11. Melbourne Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Bahamas, Central America, Cuba, Hawaii, Pacific, North America, Pacific, Puerto Rico, Slovenia, USA, West Indies

How it is used for food

The leaves have been used for tea. They are dried and roasted. The leaves contain caffeine. CAUTION: They can cause dizziness and have a laxative effect.

Edible parts

Leaves, leaves - tea

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed. Cuttings or layering can be used. They do not transpalnt easily, so should be sown direct. They also do not like pruning.

It is slow growing.

Its other names

Local names

Yapoon, Acebo, Cassina, Cassine

Synonyms

Ilex dagoon T. Walter;