Chinese holly

Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta) is an evergreen shrub native to China, commonly used as an ornamental plant. It is characterized by its dense, rounded form and distinctive oblong leaves, each typically featuring three spines at its apex.1

The genus Ilex, to which Chinese holly belongs, encompasses about 600 species of shrubs and trees found globally. Many holly species are cultivated for their foliage and persistent red or black fruits, often used in holiday decorations. Hollies generally have alternate, simple leaves, which can be evergreen or deciduous, and many species have spiny, wavy margins. Their small flowers are typically unisexual, and the fruits are drupes, serving as a vital winter food source for birds, though most are not safe for human consumption.2