Holly

Authors:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer, Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Synonym(s)

Christmas Thorn; Forest Thistle; Grooving sleeve; Holder; Holly oak; Ilex aquifolium; Palm thorn; Piercing leave; Sleeve bush; Steep green; Willow

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

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.

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

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

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Authors: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles