Ilex aculeolata

Physical Characteristics

Ilex aculeolata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from June to September. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root[177]. This is a most strange report, it is hard to think of any species of holly having an edible root[K]. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Although no specific reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, the fruits of at least some members of this genus contain saponins and are slightly toxic. They can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and stupor if eaten in quantity[274].