Ilex pernyi Information

Ilex pernyi, also known as Perny's holly, is an evergreen shrub or small tree that belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family. It is native to China, specifically in the provinces of Anhui, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, and Zhejiang.

The plant typically grows up to 10 meters tall, with a straight trunk and a pyramidal crown. The leaves are glossy and leathery, measuring 3 to 8 centimeters long and 1.5 to 4 centimeters wide. They are elliptical to ovate in shape, with serrated edges and a pointed apex. The flowers are small, white, and bloom in early summer, while the fruits are red, spherical berries that appear in late autumn.

Ilex pernyi is cultivated as an ornamental plant, valued for its attractive foliage and bright berries, which provide a source of food for birds during the winter. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine for its purported therapeutic properties, including its ability to treat headaches, rheumatism, and sore throat.