English Holly
Illex aquifolium
The holly is also known as holly tree, thorn bush, mistletoe or zebrawood.
It grows in Europe, Central and Western Asia, North Africa, mainland Portugal, and in Madeira Island. On the mainland it is most commonly found in northern forests, up to 2000 m altitude.
This is a very slow growing plant that can last up to 300 years. It is an evergreen shrub or tree that can reach a height of 10 m. It has smooth bark and hard wood, much appreciated by cabinetmakers. It is highly resistant to cold temperatures. Its leaves are dark green, shiny, waxy and edged with spines. It has clusters of white flowers from May-June and red berries from September-October. It is a dioecious species (male and female plants on two distinct trees).
The unripe or dried leaves can be used as an infusion to help relieve rheumatic pain; they have a diuretic effect, help combat chronic bronchitis and lower the body temperature. The berries are toxic and induce vomiting and are used occasionally as a purgative. About 5 berries might be enough to cause convulsions.
The various varieties of holly are grown as ornamental plants.
Since early December 1989, the wild holly has been protected by law in Portugal (Decree-Law no. 423/89, December 4).
At Christmas time, the demand for holly with red berries (female) rises, which makes its reproduction difficult, thus justifying the particular care taken in its preservation.
The traditional use of holly at Christmas time is associated with the pagan rituals of celebrating the winter solstice held in Northern Europe as well as with the Romans who already used it in the “Saturnalia” festival, which took place from 17th to 23rd December. Back then, people exchanged sprigs of holly as a symbol of health and happiness. It was believed that the holly began by growing in the places where Christ would have walked on. The spikes on the leaves and the blood red berries represent His suffering.
It was sacred to the Druids who used it to decorate their houses and huts during the winter to attract good spirits.
It was one of the seven sacred trees of the Irish, and it was forbidden for them to be cut down.
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Município de Castanheira de Pera
English Holly
