Ilex

Ilex, a tree often named in the Latin classics, the Evergreen Oak or Holm Oak (Quercus Ilex). See OAK. It is a native of most parts of the south of Europe and of the north of Africa, often attaining large dimensions, as it sometimes does where planted in Britain. It grows in general singly or in small groups, and loves the vicinity of the sea. Its leaves are ovate-oblong, acute, leathery, hoary beneath; but they vary much in some respects, from the size of a sloe-leaf to that of a beech, and from being very spiny at the edge to perfect evenness. The bark is very astringent, and is employed for tanning hides in the countries to which the tree is indigenous. Its wood is very hard and heavy, tough, durable, and useful, particularly for axles, pulleys, screws, and whatever is to be subjected to much friction. The acorns are of various quality, sometimes bitter, and sometimes sweet and eatable.—In modern botany Ilex is the generic name of the Holly (q.v.).