Native holly
Alchornea ilicifolia, Fam. Euphorbiaceae
Somewhat scraggly shrub to small tree with attractive 'holly' leaves. Greyish white, smooth bark with lenticels.
| Weed Category: | |
| Weed: | No |
| Form or habit: | Shrub, Small tree |
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Leaf: | Simple, alternate, thick, stiff, holly-like, 3-9cm long. Each tooth has a pungent point and is subtended by a prominent lateral vein. Dark glossy green above and paler below. |
| Flower conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Flower colour: |
Green |
| Flower description: | Small, greenish flowers in axillary racemes, dioecious. October to July. |
| Fruit conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Fruit colour: |
Brown |
| Fruit: | |
| Fruit description: | Brown, three lobed capsule, 5-7mm in diameter. September to May. |
| Habitat: | Rainforest. |
| Distribution | Queensland, New South Wales. |
| Food source for: | |
| Toxicity: | No toxicity known |
| Origin: | Australia. |
| Notes: | Resprouts from the base or rootstock after fire. Prefers well composted soils and a shady position. Slow growing but well worth cultivating for its ornamental leaves. Grow from fresh seed or cuttings. Timber is yellow, tough and fine grained. |
| Information sources: | Melzer R. & Plumb J. (2007) Plants of Capricornia. |
