Ilex dumosa

Reissek

Bush holly

Aquifoliaceae Edible: Leaves - flavouring Potential hazards — see below 47 iNaturalist observations

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Description

A small tropical tree in the holly family (Aquifoliaceae), grown for its aromatic leaves.

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Edible Uses

The leaves are used as a flavouring.

Medicinal Uses

As with the related Ilex paraguariensis (Yerba Mate), regular consumption of a tea made from the leaves of this species has been shown to have a range of beneficial regulatory effects upon the body, particularly by acting as an antioxidant and by regulating blood-lipid levels, thus lowering high cholesterol levels and improving circulation to the heart.

Known Hazards

Although no specific reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, Ilex species in general contain several potentially toxic compounds, particularly saponins, glycosides and triterpenoids. These compounds also often have a range of potential health benefits. The berries are usually the part of the plant most likely to be toxic, though the degree of toxicity is usually low. Their bitter flavour usually prevents a person eating more than one or two, but even a small handful of the fruit eaten by a healthy adult is unlikely to cause more than feelings of nausea that can lead on to vomiting and diarrhoea. The compounds in the leaves are particularly interesting. The leaves of many Ilex species around the world are commonly used to make health-promoting teas that, when drunk on a regular basis, help to regulate bodily functions and can reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood-cholesterol levels etc (See Ilex paraguariensis or Ilex kaushue for examples). Even these teas, however, if taken in very concentrated doses, can act as a laxative or cause vomiting. Indeed, several species are used by traditional peoples to induce vomiting as a means of purifying the body (see Ilex guayusa or Ilex vomitoria for examples)

Distribution

It is a tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, South America, Venezuela,

Cultivation

A plant of subtropical to tropical areas, being found at elevations from near sea level to over 1,000 metres. Grows best in a sunny position. Succeeds in most soil conditions. A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Propagation

Seed - usually slow to germinate because they have a hard seedcoat. They can be stratified in damp soil, which will speed up the ingress of moisture and reduce germination time. Sow the seeds in light shade in a nursery seedbed. Germination rates are moderate.

Other Uses

The heartwood is white, not clearly demarcated from the sapwood. The wood is light, soft and easy to work with but with poor mechanical properties and very susceptible to rot. It is only used for making boxes. The wood is used as a fuel.