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holly

Ilex aquifolium · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Holly, scientifically known as Ilex aquifolium, is a distinctive evergreen shrub celebrated for its glossy, spiny leaves. Beyond its ornamental appeal, this plant holds significant medicinal value in traditional practices. It is frequently utilized for its antioxidant properties and its ability to support skin health and inflammatory relief.

Family
Aquifoliaceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Holly · English Holly
Scientific synonyms
Ilex Aquifolium F. Albopicta · Ilex Aquifolium F. Heterophylla · 132 more

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Ilex aquifolium

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Ilex aquifolium var balearica
  • Acebo cerezo
  • Alcebo
  • Crévol
  • Ilex aquifolium var senencens
  • Ilex aquifolium var heterophyllum
  • Grabolé
  • Grevole
  • Espinu
  • Ilex aquifolium var. algarviensis
  • Acebo mallorquín
  • Ilex perado subsp iberica
  • Cebor
  • Acebeo
  • Alebro
  • Ilex aquifolium var. senencens
  • Crevol
  • Grabole
  • Acebo mallorquin

German:

  • Europäische Stechpalme
  • Ilex rotunda
  • Gewöhnliche Stechpalme
  • Stechlaub
  • Hulstbaum
  • Walddistel
  • Gemeine Stechpalme
  • Christpalme
  • Hülse
  • Stacheleiche
  • Stachelblattstrauch
  • Stechpalme
  • Hülse
  • gewöhnliche Stechpalme
  • Stechpalme

French:

  • houx
  • houx
  • houx commun

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae, the order Aquifoliales, and the family Aquifoliaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by its genus, Ilex.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Aquifoliales
Family Aquifoliaceae
Genus Ilex

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Ilex aquifolium, exhibits a specific geographical distribution across the northern regions of Europe. It can be found growing within the territories of Denmark and Great Britain. Additionally, its presence extends to the island of Ireland. The species is also documented in the Scandinavian landscapes of Norway. Finally, its range includes the country of Sweden.

Region Area
Northern Europe Denmark
Northern Europe Great Britain
Northern Europe Ireland
Northern Europe Norway
Northern Europe Sweden
Middle Europe Austria
Middle Europe Belgium
Middle Europe Germany
Middle Europe Netherlands
Middle Europe Switzerland

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Ilex aquifolium is characterized by its ability to thrive in diverse environments, primarily inhabiting forest ecosystems and roadside areas. This species demonstrates a specific altitudinal preference, with its presence recorded at a mean elevation of 911 m AMSL. These ecological niches suggest that the plant is well-adapted to both the sheltered, stable conditions of forested landscapes and the more disturbed or edge-effect environments found along roadsides.

Elevational range mean:
911 m AMSL
Habitat :
forest, roadsides

Genetics

The genetics of Ilex aquifolium are characterized by a notable level of chromosomal variation, which is a significant feature of its cytogenetic profile. Specifically, the species exhibits different chromosome numbers within its populations, with documented values of 40 and 46. This variation in chromosome number suggests a complex evolutionary history, potentially involving polyploidy or chromosomal rearrangements that contribute to the genetic diversity of the species. Such genomic plasticity may play a crucial role in the plant's ability to adapt to diverse ecological niches and environmental stressors.

Chromosome number :
40, 46

Life history

The life history of Ilex aquifolium is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, ensuring its long-term presence within its ecological niche. As a phanerophyte, specifically classified under the phanerophyte life form, its reproductive buds are elevated well above the ground, protected by its woody structure. This species maintains an evergreen deciduousness, retaining its foliage throughout the year to optimize photosynthetic activity across varying seasons.

Deciduousness :
evergreen
Life form :
phanerophyte
Lifecycle :
perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Ilex aquifolium is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub that functions as a self-supporting, terrestrial plant. It is an independent species, not acting as a parasite or an epiphyte, and maintains a terrestrial habit. The plant exhibits significant variation in stature, with a height range spanning from a minimum of 1 m to a maximum of 12 m, resulting in a mean plant height of approximately 10.75 m.

Aquatic :
terrestrial
Climber :
self-supporting
Epiphyte :
terrestrial
Growth form :
shrub
Parasite :
independent
Plant height max:
12 m
Plant height mean:
10.75 m
Plant height min:
1 m
Woodiness :
woody

Physiology

The physiology of Ilex aquifolium is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, indicating a standard carbon fixation process typical of many temperate woody species. As a non-carnivorous plant, it relies on traditional nutrient uptake through its root system rather than supplemental nitrogen from prey. Its foliage exhibits significant morphological variation, with leaf lengths ranging from a minimum of 3 cm to a maximum of 12 cm, while leaf widths vary between 2.5 cm and 5.5 cm. The average leaf size is recorded at 15.76525 cm², and the plant maintains a mean Specific Leaf Area (SLA) of 66 cm²/g, a metric that reflects its leaf thickness and resource allocation strategies regarding light interception and water use efficiency.

Carnivory :
non-carnivorous
Leaf length max:
12 cm
Leaf length min:
3 cm
Leaf size mean:
15.76525 cm²
Leaf width max:
5.5 cm
Leaf width min:
2.5 cm
Photosynthetic pathway :
C3
Specific Leaf Area (SLA) mean:
66 cm²/g

Reproduction

The reproduction of Ilex aquifolium is driven by biotic pollination processes, specifically utilizing an insect-based syndrome with a notable emphasis on bees. The flowering period is relatively concentrated, beginning in May and concluding in June. This species relies on sexual reproduction, as asexual reproduction is absent, and the process of self-fertilization is also absent, necessitating cross-pollination. Following fertilization, the plant develops a fleshy, indehiscent fruit classified as a drupe. These fruits possess an average length of 0.825 cm and an average width of 0.795 cm. Within these fruits, the seeds vary in mass, with a mean weight of approximately 0.06708 g, ranging from a minimum of 0.00769 g to a maximum of 0.15873 g, and maintaining a consistent seed volume of 50 mm³. The dispersal of the species is characterized by a zoochorous syndrome, specifically endozoochory, where the seeds are dispersed via the digestive tracts of animals.

Dehiscence :
indehiscent
Dispersal syndrome :
zoochorous
Dispersal syndrome :
endozoochorous
Flowering time :
May
Flowering time :
Jun
Fruit dryness :
fleshy
Fruit length mean:
0.825 cm
Fruit type :
drupe
Fruit width mean:
0.795 cm
Pollination syndrome :
insect
Pollination syndrome :
bee
Pollination syndrome :
biotic
Reproduction asexual :
absent
Seed mass max:
0.15873 g
Seed mass mean:
0.06708166675 g
Seed mass min:
0.00769 g
Seed volume max:
50 mm³
Self fertilization :
absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Ilex aquifolium has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CHLOROGENIC ACID, Hyperoside, rutoside.

Chemicals reported in Ilex aquifolium
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
CHLOROGENIC ACID 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Hyperoside 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
rutoside 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

CHLOROGENIC ACID

  1. Planta medica

Hyperoside

  1. Planta medica

rutoside

  1. Planta medica