Holly
Ilex aquifolium
Family: Aquifoliaceae
What it is like
An evergreen tree. It grows 15 m high and spreads 4 m wide. The stem is stout. The bark is smooth and grey. The tree crown is pyramid shaped. The leaves are thick and a glossy green. There are stout prickles along the edge. They alternatively point upwards and downwards. The flowers are small and white. They are in the axils of the leaves. The fruit are bright red berries. They are on female plants only.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows best in an acid, sandy or gravelly loam. It needs a protected sunny position. It is resistant to frost and sensitive to drought. In the tropics it is grown at higher altitudes. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Andorra, Australia, East Africa, Europe (country/location of origin), France, Germany, Hawaii, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Pacific, San Marino, Slovenia, Tasmania, USA, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The leaves have been used as a tea substitute. The red berries are used to make a brandy.
Edible parts
Leaves - tea, fruit - drink
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed. These can take 3-12 months to germinate. They can be grown from woody cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Navadna bodika