Status:
valid
Authors:
Bonpl. ex Miers
Source:
ksu
Year:
1861
Citation Micro:
Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. , ser. 3, 8: 395 (1861)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000729181
Common Names
- Bitter Holly
- Ilex amara
- Bitter-Leaf Holly
Synonyms
- Chomelia amara Vell. [unknown]
Description
Ilex amara (also called Bitter Holly, among many other common names) is a species of holly native to Central and South America. It has small, white flowers and a basal rosette of leaves. It grows in moist, shady habitats such as rainforests and cloud forests.
Uses & Benefits
Ilex amara is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a source of timber for furniture and construction.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Ilex amara var. bahiensis Loes.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Ilex amara has small white flowers with yellow anthers. The seeds are small, rounded and dark brown in colour. The seedlings are small, with light green leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Ilex amara is a perennial plant native to South America. It prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Propagation is by division or seed. The plant will spread by underground rhizomes and can become invasive in some areas.
Where to Find Ilex amara
Ilex amara is native to Central and South America, particularly in Colombia and Ecuador.
Ilex amara FAQ
What is the scientific name of Ilex amara?
Ilex amara
What is the common name of Ilex amara?
Bitter Holly
What is the natural habitat of Ilex amara?
Woodlands and shrublands
Species in the Ilex genus
Species in the Aquifoliaceae family
Ilex mucugensis,
Ilex stenura,
Ilex toroidea,
Ilex guaramacalensis,
Ilex abscondita,
Ilex acutidenticulata,
Ilex affinis,
Ilex altiplana,
Ilex amara,
Ilex amazonensis,
Ilex annamensis,
Ilex anomala,
Ilex antonii,
Ilex apicidens,
Ilex apiensis,
Ilex aquifolium,
Ilex aracamuniana,
Ilex archeri,
Ilex ardisiaefrons,
Ilex arimensis,
Ilex arnhemensis,
Ilex atabapoensis,
Ilex attenuata,
Ilex auricula,
Ilex azuensis,
Ilex baasiana,
Ilex barahonica,
Ilex belizensis,
Ilex berteroi,
Ilex blancheana,
Ilex blanchetii,
Ilex brandegeeana,
Ilex brasiliensis,
Ilex brevipedicellata,
Ilex bullata,
Ilex canariensis,
Ilex casiquiarensis,
Ilex cassine,
Ilex celebensis,
Ilex chevalieri,
Ilex chinensis,
Ilex chiriquensis,
Ilex ciliolata,
Ilex clementis,
Ilex clethriflora,
Ilex cognata,
Ilex colchica,
Ilex condorensis,
Ilex congesta,
Ilex cookii,