Himalayan holly

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Himalayan holly

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Ilex dipyrena var. cunninghamii
• Ilex cunninghamii
• Ilex andersonii
• Ilex dipyrena var. connexiva
• Nemopanthus andersonii
• Ilex dipyrena var. paucispinosa
• Ilex bioritsensis var. integra
• Ilex dentonii

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Aquifoliales and the family Aquifoliaceae, it is classified under the genus Ilex.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several distinct regions within East and South Asia. In China, its presence is noted throughout the South-Central territories as well as the high-altitude areas of Tibet. Its range extends into the Indian Subcontinent, where it can be found specifically in the state of Assam. Furthermore, the species thrives within the rugged terrain of the East Himalaya. Finally, its geographical footprint includes the mountainous landscapes of Nepal.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Ilex dipyrena is defined by its adaptation to high-altitude montane environments, where it occupies a specific vertical niche within its habitat. This species thrives within a distinct elevational range, specifically occurring between 1500 m AMSL and a maximum of 4000 m AMSL. This broad altitudinal distribution suggests a significant capacity for physiological tolerance to varying temperature gradients and atmospheric pressures characteristic of high-elevation ecosystems. By inhabiting these montane zones, the plant participates in specialized ecological processes shaped by the unique climatic constraints and soil compositions found at these significant heights above sea level.

Elevational range max:

4000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1500 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Ilex dipyrena is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to maintain a continuous presence within its ecological niche over many years. Throughout its existence, the plant exhibits an evergreen habit, ensuring that its foliage remains functional and green across different seasons rather than undergoing a period of seasonal leaf shedding.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Ilex dipyrena is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically presenting as a tree. This plant reaches an average height of approximately 10 m and exhibits a self-supporting climbing habit, functioning as a liana or vine that does not require external support to maintain its structure. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite, and it maintains a terrestrial lifestyle rather than an epiphytic one.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

10 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Ilex dipyrena is characterized by a standard C3 photosynthetic pathway, meaning it utilizes the Calvin cycle to fix carbon dioxide during the light-independent reactions, which is typical for many woody evergreen species in its genus. Regarding its nutrient acquisition processes, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system rather than engaging in symbiotic nitrogen fixation with diazotrophic bacteria.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Ilex dipyrena is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering period that facilitates its reproductive cycle. The flowering process typically commences in May, marking the beginning of its reproductive activity. This flowering period continues through the warmer and transitional months, eventually reaching its conclusion in October. Therefore, the plant maintains an active flowering window that spans from May to October, providing the necessary biological timeframe for pollination and subsequent fruit development.

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Oct

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Ilex dipyrena has 2 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, fruit.

Leaf

1. Life (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Fruit

1. Life (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Ilex dipyrena has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include AMPHETAMINE, Cathinone, MYRISTIC ACID, dl-Phenylephrine, palmitic acid.

AMPHETAMINE

1. Life (Basel, Switzerland)

Cathinone

1. Life (Basel, Switzerland)

MYRISTIC ACID

1. Life (Basel, Switzerland)

dl-Phenylephrine

1. Life (Basel, Switzerland)

palmitic acid

1. Life (Basel, Switzerland)

phenylpropanolamine

1. Life (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Ilex dipyrena has 2 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Analgesic.

Antioxidant

1. Life (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Analgesic

1. Life (Basel, Switzerland)

Medicinal Uses

Ilex dipyrena has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include burns, fever, pain.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations