Common holly

The holly family comprises about 400 species distributed in temperate and tropical regions.

Evergreen or deciduous shrubs or trees with spiny, toothed, less often entire-margined leaves; dioecious, small, axillary flowers; berry-like fruits — drupes. Branches of the common holly (Ilex aquifolium), fixed above the entrance to dwellings (together with mistletoe and bunches of rowan), were used to ward off all evil spirits long before the founding of Rome. Holly branches were used by Celtic, Baltic, Scandinavian and Slavic peoples virtually everywhere this plant occurs. Sprigs of this plant are commonly found in Europe in Christmas wreaths and garlands, on gift wrapping and greeting cards.