Holly

The holly is a summer or evergreen shrub/tree of the family Aquifoliaceae, which grows up to 10m high. The plant is native to central and southern Europe. The somewhat leathery, egg-shaped leaves, which are usually alternately arranged on the branches, are up to 7cm long, usually stalked and have smooth or serrated to thorny leaf edges. The flowers (May-June) are small and axillary. The red, approximately pea-sized drupes each contain 1-10 seeds. They are poisonous. For adults, 20-30 berries are considered deadly.

Ilex aquifolium is the parent plant of Folia Aquifiliae (Folia aquifolii), the holly leaves, also known as holly thorn leaves, which are used in folk medicine.

In cosmetic formulations "Ilex aquifolium extract" is extracted from the leaves and fruits by steam distillation.

1. Roth L et al (1994) Poisonous plants, plant toxins. Nikol Publishing Company mbH Hamburg,p.421