Holly/European Holly – Ilex aquifolium

Habitat

·        western and southern Europe, northwest Africa and southwest Asia

Habit and Form

·        evergreen tree

·        growing to 10–25 m tall and 40–80 cm trunk diameter

Summer Foliage

·        5–12 cm long and 2–6 cm broad variable in shape; on young plants and low branches

·        three to five sharp spines on each side

·        pointing alternately upward and downward

·        on higher branches of older trees with few, or no spines except for the leaf tip, often entire

Flowers

·        white

·        four-lobed

·        pollinated by bees

Fruit

·        red drupe 6–10 mm diameter

·        containing four pits

·        mature in late autumn

·        very bitter due to the ilicin content

·        rarely touched by birds until late winter after frost has made them softer and more palatable

Bark

·        smooth grey

Healing power:

Although tea made from European Holly does not make you more alert, it can be used for treating cold and cough.

The bark of the tree is only recommended for external use, as a throat disinfectant and mouthwash and illnesses of the teeth.

Its fruit is used as dye.

Interesting facts:

The tea made from its leaves revitalizes you and induces vomiting.  Indian warriors used to drink this tea before holding their council of war, so that they would get cleansed.

In case of serious poisoning, the brew of the drupe was drunk to induce vomiting.

Several of the species which belong to the Ilex family have leaves rich in caffeine, whose leaves will give you revitalizing tea.

The drink made from the shrub (Ilex paraguaryensis) is called “maté”, which is a drink popular with South Americans. It has revitalizing, diuretic, laxative effect, relaxes the muscles and reduces appetite. It is also said to enhance mental performance.

Beware of overdose, it is dangerous, it may cause insomnia and muscle fluttering.

Sponsors:

Ministry of National Resources

University of Szeged

KEFAG Zrt.

Future of Europe Association