"Canary Islands Holly"
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| Scientific Name: | Ilex perado subsp. platyphylla (Webb & Berthelot) Tutin. |
| Common Name: | Canary Islands Holly |
| Plant Family: | Aquifoliaceae |
GARDEN LOCATION: This magnificent Holly can be found in the Residence Garden. Take the ramp down from the left-hand side of the Visitors Centre viewing deck. Walk directly ahead through the hedges into the Residence Garden. Follow the path to the far end of the house and Ilex perado subsp. platyphylla can be seen in the garden bed at the back of the lawn on your left.
GENERAL NOTES: Ilex perado subsp. platyphylla occurs on the Canary Islands of Spain. It is one of approximately 800 species of Ilex that are found worldwide in temperate, warm temperate, subtropical and tropical climatic zones. Ilex perado subsp. platyphylla is an evergreen tree that can reach a height of 15 metres. The deep green shiny foliage contrasts beautifully with the bright red berries to remind us of Christmas.
Ilex perado subsp. platyphylla is categorised as an endangered species. The endangered (E) category indicates that this Ilex is in danger of extinction and that its survival is unlikely if the causal factors continue operating. Causal factors for example can be the loss of habitat or commercial exploitation. We are therefore fortunate to have such a spectacular specimen growing at Mount Tomah Botanic Garden.
There are 14 other species of Ilex and 7 cultivars of Ilex aquifolium maintained in the plant collection at Mount Tomah. The main areas to view other Ilex are in the Residence Garden, Brunet Garden and the lower sections of the Plant Explorers Walk. A fine specimen of the variegated Ilex aquifolium cultivar Ovata Aurea is worth looking for in the lower section of the Plant Explorers Walk.
Keith Naylor
Records Officer
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