Native range: worldwide

Leaves:

• alternate
• simple
• entire to serrate
• spiny
• mostly evergreen and leathery
• short petiole
• minute stipules

Flowers:

• infl. – clustered cyme or axillary & solitary
• radial (symmetric flower)
• mostly dioecious
• flowers 4-5 parted, small
• superior ovary

Fruit:

• drupe
• sometimes brightly colored
• persistent sepals

Other notes:

• trees & shrubs
• acidic soil

Genus:

• Ilex (holly genus) | 2 species