ilex
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Ilex is the botanical term for the holly plant family. The German name is somewhat misleading, since these plants are not to be confused with the palms of the tropical regions; more appropriate are regional names such as holly pods or winter berries. Essential features of the Ilex are the formation of berries for reproduction and the hard and stinging, but never woody leaves. Numerous species of ilex are native to Great Britain, France and large parts of North America, and various variations of this plant family can also be found in tropical regions. One of the best-known representatives is the mistletoe, i.e. the American mistletoe, which is brought into the house with its fiery red berries at Christmas time and contributes significantly to the natural coloring of the Christmas festival in red. The species native to Europe are green all year round and are therefore used with pleasure in gardens and parks as ornamental plants. Although the ilex enjoys an optical popularity among gardeners and florists, the prickly leaves, which are uncomfortable to touch, should be treated with caution when handling these plants. The consumption of the red berries of the Ilex should be avoided in most of the species, since they have a highly toxic effect on humans and many other mammals.
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