Contents
What is a holly plant?
Holly characteristics (Ilex aquifolium L.)
Scientific noun: Ilex aquifolium L.
Family: Aquifoliaceae
Habitat: Forests of beeches and oaks in humid climates.
Components of Holly plant
- Theobromin
- Ursolic and ilexic acid
- Tannins
- Rutin
- Gum
- Ilexantine
- Ilicin
Active parts
Leaves and, specially, fruits.
Uses of holly plant
Medicinal
It can be used as a diuretic, febrifuge, purgative and tranquilizer. However, the toxicity of some of its components deserves some special treatment. (More information)
Hunting
The bark of this plant produces a resin that is used to make a gum some bird hunter use to catch birds.
Symbol of Christmas
Because of its attractive fruits and its peculiar pricking leaves, it is one one the most used Christmas plants to ornate houses. People generally cut its branches, plenty of gorgeous red ball-like fruits. (More information on Christmas plants)
Toxicity
Very high. The fruits are very toxic, specially for the children, who are attracted by their bright color. Ingesting more than 20, can be lethal for a child.
Effects
The ingestion of fruits, because of their content in ilicin, is very poisonous for the digestive tract and can produce very irritating effects in the stomach or intestines. Their principles can attack the nervous system and heart.
Their big content in resins can produce intestinal obstructions.
Symptoms
Vomiting, swallowing difficulty, blurred vision, irregular heartbeat, respiratory difficulty, convulsions and, in more extreme cases, death.
Treatment
Induced vomiting, gastric lavage, artificial respiration, respiratory stimulants and laxative administration.
More information about medicinal plants.
