Holly (Family Aquifoliaceae)

The Aquifoliaceae are a group of about 600 species; nearly all of these
species belong to Genus Ilex, commonly known as the hollies (some
authorities list a small second genus - Nemopanthus). Most are evergreen
trees or shrubs, though there are deciduous species that lose their leaves
seasonally. Most Americans and Europeans are familiar with the spiny-
leaved species Ilex aquifolium (English holly) or Ilex opaca (American
holly).

Species of Aquifoliaceae are found in the Tropical and Subtropical to

Temperate regions of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres,

mainly in the tropical regions of Central and South America and Asia.

Ilex species supply hard, white, fine-grained wood, used for inlay work
and sometimes stained black as ebony substitute. Maté or Paraguay tea
is derived from dried leaves of Ilex paraguensis, while many species and
hybrids are used as ornamentals.

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