69. Hybrid Holly

Also called Highclere Holly

Location: Up against Mary Gates Hall on the South West end of the Building.

Historical Background: Hybrid or Highclere holly is a hybrid between European holly (Ilex aquifolium) and Macaronesian holly (Ilex perado). Highclere is the Hampshire village where this species was first discovered. 

Non-native

Native Range: Europe

Identifying Features:  The Holly family has two genera of evergreen shrubs. Their red berries and shiny green leaves are most widely known perhaps for their use as Christmas decorations. Hybrid Hollies stand out with their dark, evergreen foliage. Unlike regular English hollies, these have larger, less spiny leaves and bigger berries. When young the leaves and stems can have a reddish-purple tinge. Holly is often pollinated by bees, which may be seen about when it is in flower. The seeds of this species can take up to 18 months to germinate, and it is also proficient at reproducing via roots or submerged drooping branches going to root.

Identifying Features In Depth:

1. Form: A dense thick shrub-like tree, generally growing to up to 50” (15m) but occasionally reaching more. The crown is narrow, dense and conical, more open on wild trees.

2. Leaves: leaves are generally spiny, especially on lower branches, but can be smooth on the margins as well. They are a shiny dark green on top, yellowish green below, and contain prominent veins. They can grow to about 4” (10cm) in length and persist for about 3 years on the tree before falling to the ground and with their spines making it a very uncomfortable proposition to reach and search for something in the leaf litter or walk barefoot nearby.

3. Bark: Light gray and thin, very smooth with small warts.

4. Reproductive Bodies: Small white four petaled flowers in twos or threes, giving rise to bright red berries about 6mm in diameter, ovid and in large clusters. The skin of the fruit is tough, and the flesh holds 4 yellow seeds in each.