Ilex coriacea
Appearance
Ilex coriacea | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Aquifoliales |
Family: | Aquifoliaceae |
Genus: | Ilex |
Species: | I. coriacea
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Binomial name | |
Ilex coriacea | |
Natural range |
Ilex coriacea, sometimes known as large gallberry[2] or sweet gallberry,[3] is a shrub in the holly family native to coastal areas in the United States from Virginia to Texas. It exists primarily as an understory plant in pine forests, and is sometimes stimulated by regular controlled burnings.
It has been widely planted north of its native range and to some extent in Europe, preferring moist, but not waterlogged acidic soil.
The plant is an important nectar source for beekeepers, making a mild flavored, light colored honey, especially in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia.
References
[edit]- ^ Stritch, L. (2018). "Ilex coriacea". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T123600074A123600091. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T123600074A123600091.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
- ^ NRCS. "Ilex coriacea". PLANTS Database. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 1 February 2018.
- ^ "Ilex coriacea (Sweet Gallberry)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 2019-05-08.
- Gallberry in Michigan Bee Plants Archived 2007-09-28 at the Wayback Machine (includes photo of blossom)