Rough-leaved Holly

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Rough-leaved Holly

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Aquifoliales, falling into the family Aquifoliaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement within the genus Ilex.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. Within China, it is primarily located in the Southeast portion of the country. Its range extends further into Eastern Asia, where it can be found growing in Taiwan. Additionally, the species reaches into the Malesia region, specifically inhabiting the Philippines. Together, these areas define the natural habitat of Ilex asprella.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Ilex sprelleri (often referred to in botanical contexts related to the Ilex genus) is characterized by its predominantly woody habit, forming a robust and perennial structure. As a woody plant, it develops significant lignified tissues that provide structural rigidity and support for its branching architecture. The stem structure is characterized by hard, bark-covered branches that exhibit a perennial growth pattern, distinguishing it from non-woody or herbaceous species. This woody nature extends to its overall stature, allowing the plant to maintain a consistent form and withstand environmental stressors through its durable, fibrous framework.

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Ilex asprella is characterized by a specialized metabolic framework adapted to its specific environmental niche, most notably through its reliance on the C3 photosynthetic pathway. As a C3 plant, its carbon fixation process occurs primarily within the mesophyll cells through the direct carboxylation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) by the enzyme RuBisCO, leading to the immediate production of three-carbon molecules. This metabolic route implies that the plant's gas exchange and energy production are highly dependent on maintaining specific stomatal conductance to balance CO2 uptake with transpiration rates. The efficiency of its photosynthetic machinery is intrinsically linked to its ability to manage photorespiration, a process that occurs when RuBisCO reacts with oxygen instead of carbon dioxide, particularly under conditions of high temperature or water stress. Consequently, the physiological performance of Ilex asprella is governed by its capacity to optimize light interception and manage water use efficiency within the constraints of this C3 pathway to support its growth and development.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Ilex asprella is characterized by specific seed traits and a specialized dispersal mechanism. The species produces seeds with a highly uniform mass, exhibiting a mean, maximum, and minimum seed mass of 0.0048 g, indicating a very consistent reproductive output per individual seed. Regarding its dispersal strategy, the plant utilizes a zoochorous syndrome, meaning its seeds are dispersed by animals, which plays a critical role in the movement and colonization of the species across its habitat.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Seed mass mean:

0.0048 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Ilex asprella has 3 reported plant parts identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root, leaf, stem.

Root

1. Journal of chromatography. A
2. Carbohydrate research
3. Frontiers in plant science
4. International journal of molecular sciences
5. Scientific reports

Leaf

1. Journal of natural products
2. Scientific reports

Stem

1. Scientific reports

Chemicals

Ilex asprella has 35 reported phytochemicals identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include triterpenoids, ANTHOCYANIN, Asprellic acid B, Asprellic acid C, Aurone.

triterpenoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Fitoterapia
3. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

ANTHOCYANIN

1. Scientific reports

Asprellic acid B

1. Journal of natural products

Asprellic acid C

1. Journal of natural products

Aurone

1. Scientific reports

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Journal of AOAC International

Chalcone

1. Scientific reports

Dihydroflavonol

1. Scientific reports

FLAVANONE

1. Scientific reports

FLAVONE

1. Scientific reports

Activities

Ilex asprella has 4 reported activities identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antipyretic, Antiviral, Cytotoxic.

Analgesic

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Antipyretic

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Antiviral

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Cytotoxic

1. Journal of natural products

Medicinal Uses

Ilex asprella has 11 reported medicinal uses identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include sore throat, acne, cough, enteritis, fever.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations