Holly

Green Leaves and Red Berries: The Colors of Christmas

Ilex aquifolium (commonly known as Christmas holly, English holly, or European holly) is an evergreen shrub or small tree from the family Aquifoliaceae, native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It is also referred to as holly, common holly, or Holly-mochi in Japanese.

The green leaves and red berries on the far left side of the Christmas decorated cake are a representation of holly.

In Christianity, the sharp, thorny leaves of the young holly (contrasted with the smooth-edged leaves on mature trees, as explained below) symbolize the Crown of Thorns, while its red berries represent the Blood of Christ. During the Christmas season, it is commonly used in potted plants or Christmas wreaths. Additionally, evergreen trees like holly have long been seen as symbols of vitality and eternal life, with their branches often crafted into wreaths to wish for happiness.

The Heterophyllous Nature of Ilex aquifolium
The leaves of Ilex aquifolium exhibit heterophylly, featuring thorny leaves on the lower parts of the tree and smooth-edged leaves on the upper parts. This heterophylly arises due to DNA methylation, a process in which a hydrogen atom on cytosine (C), a base that makes up DNA, is replaced with a methyl group (CH3). This chemical modification regulates gene expression without altering the genetic sequence, allowing the tree to adaptively modify its leaves.

In its early years, when the tree is under 2.5 meters in height, it produces thorny leaves to deter browsing by deer or goats. Once the tree grows taller than 2.5 meters—out of the reach of these animals—it stops producing thorns, as they are no longer needed. This energy-efficient adaptation allows the tree to develop smooth-edged leaves on its upper parts.

The tree grows to a height of 5–8 meters. Its leaves are green, oval-shaped, and alternately arranged. On the lower sections, the leaves are spiny and serrated, while on the upper sections, they are smooth. The species is dioecious, producing small, white, four-petaled flowers in spring. From October to December, it bears red spherical fruits, widely used in Christmas wreaths, topiary art, floral arrangements, and as hedges or garden trees.

Flower Language
"Foresight"

General Information
Common Name: European Holly, English Holly, Holly-mochi
Scientific Name: Ilex aquifolium
Other Names: Christmas Holly, Common Holly, European Holly
Height: 5–8 meters
Leaf Shape: Oval (5–12 cm in length)
Leaf Margin: Thorny-serrated (juvenile) / Smooth (mature)
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Flowering Period: April to May
Flower Color: White
Petals: Four
Fruiting Period: October to December
Fruit Type: Drupe
Fruit Shape: Red spherical berries
Fruit Size: 0.6–1 cm in diameter
Uses: Christmas wreaths, topiary, floral materials, garden trees, hedges

Related pages
Christmas holly：Ilex aquifolium）

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