The holly is a shrub or, at most, a small tree belonging to the Aquifoliaceae family. It can live for up to five hundred years, though it typically doesn’t exceed a hundred.
The infusion of boiled leaves was traditionally used as a diuretic and a laxative. The fruits are purgative and, in larger doses, act as a strong emetic (induce vomiting).
Curiosities
In some cultures, holly is widely used as a Christmas decoration. However, this is only permissible if its origin is from nurseries or sustainable and legal exploitations, as it is a protected species.
Its wood is highly valued by cabinetmakers for crafting walking sticks and gunstocks, as it stains very well to black and can imitate ebony.
| Height | 6 to 20 meters |
| Leaves | Persistent, simple, and oval-shaped. Their most striking characteristic is a spiny edge on young specimens and on the lower branches of mature trees. |
| Flowers/Fruit | Small (about 5mm) and white. Its fruits are poisonous. |
| Climate/Habitat | Forests and shady scrublands, ascending to altitudes of up to 1,600 meters. |
| Common Name | Holly |
| Scientific Name | Ilex aquifolium |
| Genus | Ilex |
| Family | Aquifoliaceae |
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