English Holly

English Holly
A genus of about 400 species of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs, occurring worldwide, especially in tropical and temperate parts of Asia and N and S America. Many kinds of holly are in cultivation. One of the most widely grown is Ilex aquifolium, a very variable species, which is important as an evergreen used in Christmas decoration, an originally pagan custom symbolizing the continuation of life during winter dormancy. Several species are used medicinally. Some contain bitter compounds and stimulants, such as caffeine and theobromine, as found in tea or coffee, and cocoa. Ilex paraguariensis is more widely drunk in South America than either tea or coffee; in contains 0.2-2 percent caffeine, and 0.3-0.5 theobromine. The N American I opaca (American Holly) has been given for bronchial complaints, fevers, constipation, intestinal worms, gout, and rheumatism. The leaves are caffeine-free and usually roasted for making tea. Ilex vomitoria was important as the emetic "black drink" in native N American rituals; when roasted, the leaves can be made into tea or used for flavoring.

Small evergreen tree or shrub with shiny, leathery, elliptic to ovate leaves, 5-10cm (2-4in) long, which have undulating, spiny margins. Off-white, scented flowers are borne on older wood in summe, with male and female on separate plants. Females produce globose red berries, to 6mm (¼in) across.

Common Name:	English Holly
Botanical Name:	Ilex aquifolium
Genus:	Ilex
Family:	Aquifoliaceae
Native Location:	W and S Europe, N Africa, W Asia
Cultivation:	Moist, well-drained soil in sun or shade. Variegated hollies need sun for optimum color. Ilex verticillata tolerates wet conditions. Cut back or trim in spring; clip formal specimens in summer. Prune I. paraquariensis into a low bush for ease of harvesting in the same way as tea (Camellia sinensis, See tea). Leaves may be damaged by holly leaf miner or leafspot. Transplant or repot with the root ball intact.
Propagation:	By seed sown in autumn (species only); by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn.
Harvest:	Leaves are picked in early summer (I aquifolium) and dried for infusions and liquid extracts. Leafy shoots (I. paraguarensis) may be picked at intervals throughout the year, in the same way as tea, and dried for infusions. Bark is peeled from twigs of I. verticillata in spring and dried for use in decoctions and liquid extracts.
Height:	3-20m (10-70ft)
Width:	8m (25ft)
Variations:	Bacciflava Is female with prickly leaves and yellow berries. Height: 15m (50ft) Width: 4m (12ft) Ferox Argentea (Silver Hedgehog Holly) Is slower growing and male, with purple twigs and small leaves, which have creamy-white margins and spines over the entire upper surface. Height: 6m (20ft) Width: 4m (12ft) Madame Briot Is female, with purple-green twigs, scarlet berries, and large stoutly spined leaves that have irregular, bright yellow margins. Height: 10m (30ft) Width: 5m (15ft) Pyramidalis Is narrowly conical, self-fertile female cultivar with few or no spines and abundant red berries. Silver Queen syn. Silver King Is a slow-growing male cultivar with purple stems and broadly ovate, spiny, cream-edged leaves. Height: 10m (30ft) Width: 4m (12ft)
Hardiness:	Z7-9
Parts Used:	Leaves
Properties:	A bitter, astringent, tonic herb that is diuretic and lowers fever.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for malaria, bronchial complaints, influenza, and rheumatism.
Warning:	Berries are harmful if eaten.
Bibliography:	Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 241