How to identify holly

1. Blades

The leaves of holly are leathery, quadrangular oblong or ovate, about 4-9 cm long and 2-4 cm wide, with three sharp and hard thorns at the tip, the middle thorn is often recurved, the base is round or truncated, and there are thorns on both sides. The leaf surface is dark green and very shiny, the back is light green and dull, and both sides are hairless.

2. Flowers

The flower color of holly is light yellow. Male flowers: The pedicel is about 5-6 mm long, with 1-2 broad triangular bracts at the base, the calyx is disc-shaped, with membranous lobes that are broadly triangular, the petals are oblong-ovate, the anthers are oblong-ovate, and the ovary is nearly spherical after reduction. Female flowers: The pedicel is about 8-9 mm long, with two small broad triangular bracts at the base. The calyx and petals are similar to those of male flowers. The anthers become ovate-arrow-shaped after abortion, and the ovary is oblong-ovate.

3. Fruit

The fruit is spherical, about 8-10 mm in diameter. The color is bright red when ripe, and the fruiting period is from October to December.