HOLLY, YEW & BOX 



THE HOLLY FAMILY, GENERAL 

 DESCRIPTION 



THE genus Ilex, to which the group of 

 trees and shrubs popularly known as 

 Hollies belongs, is included in the 

 order Ilicineae, and comprises a very 

 large number of species which are as varied in 

 character as they are widely distributed. 



Some species, our " Common Holly" for 

 example, form, under favourable circumstances, 

 trees of moderate dimensions, others grow into 

 large, dense bushes, another set is characterised by 

 a looser and more free habit, whilst in the case of 

 another group growth rarely exceeds a few feet 

 in height. The leaves, which are alternate and 

 attended by very minute stipules, also show much 

 variation, for, in addition to some being de- 

 ciduous and others evergreen, the size, general 

 outline and spininess of the different species 

 varies to a considerable extent. A glance at some 

 of the hardy species is sufficient to illustrate this, 

 for a great difference exists between the ex- 

 tremely spiny leaves of young plants of I. Aqui- 



