Aquifoliaceae

European hollyEuropean holly (Ilex aquifolium).

Aquifoliaceae, the holly family, in the order Aquifoliales, found worldwide, comprising two genera and about 400 species of shrubs and trees, best known for the genus Ilex (see holly). Four species of Byronia are in the Polynesian and Australian area, and only one species of mountain holly (Nemopanthus mucronatus) is native to northeastern North America.

This article was most recently revised and updated by William L. Hosch.
Citation Information
Article Title: Aquifoliaceae
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 24 December 2024
Access Date: February 22, 2025