Holly

The holly, also known as Christmas decoration, is a deciduous or evergreen shrub/tree up to 10m high from the holly family (Aquifoliaceae). The plant is native to Central and Southern Europe. The somewhat leathery, ovate leaves, which are usually arranged alternately on the branches, are up to 7 cm long, usually stalked and have smooth or serrated to thorny leaf edges. The flowers (May-June) are small and axillary. The red, pea-sized drupes each contain 1-10 seeds. They are poisonous. For adults, 20-30 berries are considered deadly.

Ilex aquifolium is the parent plant of Folia Aquifiliae (Folia aquifolii), the holly leaves, also known as buckthorn leaves, which are used in folk medicine.

In cosmetic formulations, "Ilex aquifolium extract" is obtained from the leaves and fruits by steam distillation.