Ilex spicata explained

Ilex spicata is a plant in the family Aquifoliaceae, native to maritime Southeast Asia. The specific epithet spicata refers to the form of the .

Description

Ilex spicata grows as a shrub or tree up to 13.5m (44.3feet) tall. Its smooth bark is white or grey. The leathery leaves are oblong to elliptic and measure up to long, occasionally to . The inflorescences, in spikes, feature white flowers. The roundish fruits are red, ripening to black.

Varieties

Two varieties of Ilex spicata are recognised:

• Ilex spicata var. spicata – native to Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, in montane forests to elevations of
• Ilex spicata var. harmsiana – endemic to Borneo, in montane forests and on ridges, to elevations of