tarajo holly

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• tarajo holly
• Lusterleaf Holly

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Ilex latifolia var. variegata
• Ilex tarajo
• Ilex latifolia f. variegata

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

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

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific range across various parts of East Asia. Within the country of China, its presence is noted in the South-Central regions. It is also found throughout the Southeast portions of China. Beyond the Chinese mainland, the species extends its reach into Eastern Asia. Specifically, this medicinal plant can be located in Japan.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Ilex latifolia is characterized by a woody growth form, specifically developing as a tree. It is a terrestrial species, functioning as an independent organism rather than a parasite or an epiphyte, and it maintains a self-supporting structure without the need for climbing mechanisms such as vines or lianas. Unlike aquatic or semiaquatic plants, its biological habit is strictly land-based, utilizing its sturdy, woody stems to support its upright architectural development.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Ilex latifolia is characterized by its reliance on the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a mechanism where carbon dioxide is fixed directly into a three-carbon compound during the first stage of the Calvin cycle. This metabolic process involves the enzyme Rubisco facilitating the carboxylation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate, which is typical for many evergreen woody species within the Aquifoliaceae family. By utilizing this C3 pathway, the plant manages its energy production through standard light-dependent and light-independent reactions, optimizing gas exchange and water use efficiency based on its specific environmental adaptations. This fundamental physiological framework dictates how the plant regulates its carbon assimilation, transpiration rates, and overall metabolic energy balance in response to varying light intensities and moisture availability.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Ilex latifolia is characterized by the production of fleshy fruits that serve as the primary vessel for seed dispersal. The seeds contained within these fruits exhibit a highly consistent volume, with both the maximum and minimum measured values, as well as the mean volume, recorded at exactly 8.4 mm³. In terms of mass, the seeds show a degree of variability, ranging from a minimum of 0.0042 g to a maximum of 0.013 g, with an overall mean seed mass of 0.0086 g. This combination of fleshy fruit morphology and specific seed dimensions facilitates the plant's reproductive cycle and dispersal mechanisms.

Fruit dryness :

fleshy

Seed mass max:

0.013 g

Seed mass mean:

0.0086 g

Seed mass min:

0.0042 g

Seed volume max:

8.4 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Ilex latifolia has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Food & function
2. Carbohydrate polymers

Chemicals

Ilex latifolia has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3,5-DICQA, Cyanidin, Flavonoids, Glycosides, triterpenoids.

3,5-DICQA

1. Archives of pharmacal research

Cyanidin

1. Frontiers in plant science

Flavonoids

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

Glycosides

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

triterpenoids

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

Activities

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

Analgesic

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

Antioxidant

1. Food & function

Antipyretic

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

Medicinal Uses

Ilex latifolia has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include headaches, hepatic steatosis, obesity.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations