# Holly

## Ilex aquifolium L.

NATURE | deciduous tree
LEAF | singular leaf
| Leaf edge: dentate
Leaf shape: egg-shaped - oval
Nervation: feather-veined
FRUIT | drupe (no berry!)
INFLORESCENCE | in side-screens

Medical value: The fruit is poisonous, but in the right dose they can be used as vomitive. Young leaves can be used as treatment for a cold, influenza, bronchitis, rheumatism and arthritis.
Use: The wood is hard, firm, stable and flexible. It is suitable for sculpting. In former times it was used for tool handles, whips, canes and nails. Today the wood is commonly used for drawing material and marquetry. Holly is often implanted as ornamental tree. The resin is used to fabricate glue, although unfortunately poachers use it.

Legend:

Bloom. All months in which we can find blooming specimens. Regional differences may occur.
Harvest Time. All months in which we can find ripe fruits on trees. Unripe fruit can be found earlier on trees and shrubs. Sometimes even throughout the year, as happens with trees such as pines, this fruit ripens over several years.
Both flowers and ripe fruit may occur at the same time in some months.