Abstract
The hollies (Ilex L., Aquifoliaceae) form a large (>669 spp.) genus of forest trees and shrubs, which is almost cosmopolitan in mesic environments but most diverse in subtropical China and montane South America. Throughout the range of the genus, Ilex species have been utilized as beverages, medicines, ornamentals, honey plants, timber, and for various other minor uses. Recent studies on the genomics, evolution, and biogeography of Ilex now make it possible to take a systematic approach to understanding and expanding the economic importance of the genus, but information on existing uses is scattered among numerous published and unpublished sources. We therefore review the existing literature on utilization of Ilex species, supplementing this with information from the grey literature and product websites. We show that, despite the number and diversity of known uses, most Ilex species are not known to be utilized at present, suggesting considerable unrealized potential. We highlight gaps in our knowledge and opportunities for expanded usage. Finally, we discuss how the availability of a new phylogeny and whole genome can assist screening of additional wild species for economic potential and facilitate breeding programs for species already under cultivation.
Highlights
Hollies are shrubs and trees in the genus Ilex L., in the monogeneric family Aquifoliaceae
This shows that the genus originated in East Asia in the early Eocene and is near-cosmopolitan in mesic habitats, most species are found in subtropical East Asia and montane South America
Suggest that the diversity and distinctiveness of the defensive chemicals found in members of this genus could have been the innovation that opened new ecological opportunities in the early Eocene, when the crown clade diversified more than 30 million years after the origin of the genus and family
Summary
Hollies are shrubs and trees in the genus Ilex L., in the monogeneric family Aquifoliaceae. A recently published phylogeny, based on two nuclear genes, includes 177 Ilex species spread across the geographical range of the genus [2]. This shows that the genus originated in East Asia in the early Eocene and is near-cosmopolitan in mesic habitats, most species are found in subtropical East Asia and montane South America. South America, and in every province in southern China, they are part of every Christmas in Europe and North America, and they contribute to human welfare in many other more minor ways Despite this importance, there has never been a global review of the utilization of the genus. Details of the literature search strategy can be found in the Supplementary File (see Supplementary Materials)
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