Ilex spinigera

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several key regions. It can be found growing within the North Caucasus area. Additionally, its presence extends into the Transcaucasus region. The species is also located within Western Asia, specifically in Iran. These distinct locations define the natural range where the plant is typically encountered.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Ilex spinigera is defined by its preference for specific environmental niches, primarily thriving within the complex ecosystems of forests and mountainous regions. In these habitats, the plant is integrated into the structural diversity of woodland environments, where it often occupies mid-story or understory positions depending on the light availability and canopy density. The mountainous terrain provides the necessary topographical variations and drainage patterns that support its growth, often amidst cooler temperatures and varying levels of moisture characteristic of high-altitude forest biomes. Within these forested mountain systems, Ilex spinigera plays a role in the local community structure, interacting with the soil microbiota and surrounding vegetation that define its specialized ecological niche.

Habitat :

forest, mountains

Life history

The life history of Ilex spinigera is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons and maintains its presence in the ecosystem over a long duration. As a perennial species, it avoids the complete senescence seen in annuals, instead following a recurring cycle of seasonal growth, flowering, and seed production that allows it to establish stable populations within its habitat. This extended lifecycle enables the plant to invest significantly in robust structural development, such as its characteristic woody components, which support its long-term survival and reproductive capacity across successive years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Ilex spinigera is characterized by its robust growth form, specifically categorized as a tree. This plant exhibits a distinct woody nature, possessing a permanent, lignified structure that supports its stature and provides the necessary stability for its arboreal development.

Growth form :

tree

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Ilex spinigera is closely tied to its seasonal flowering cycle, which is characterized by a specific temporal window for bloom. The flowering period typically begins in April, marking the onset of its reproductive phase. This flowering activity continues throughout the month of April before concluding, establishing a relatively concentrated window for pollination. While the broader seasonal context allows for variability across the months of January through December, the specific documented timing for this species centers on the April period for both the start and end of its floral displays.

Flowering time :

Apr

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

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

Leaf

1. Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research : IJPR

Conditions

Ilex spinigera has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include malaria.

Malaria

1. Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research : IJPR