Common Name:

General Information

Ilex excelsa is an evergreen tree growing up to 10 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use of its wood and possibly also as a food.
Ilex excelsa is widely distributed and has been known to occur in several protected areas in its distribution range. There are no known threats. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[].

Known Hazards

Although no specific reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, Ilex species in general contain several potentially toxic compounds, particularly saponins, glycosides and triterpenoids. These compounds also often have a range of potential health benefits[, , ].
The berries are usually the part of the plant most likely to be toxic, though the degree of toxicity is usually low. Their bitter flavour usually prevents a person eating more than one or two, but even a small handful of the fruit eaten by a healthy adult is unlikely to cause more than feelings of nausea that can lead on to vomiting and diarrhoea[].
The compounds in the leaves are particularly interesting. The leaves of many Ilex species around the world are commonly used to make health-promoting teas that, when drunk on a regular basis, help to regulate bodily functions and can reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood-cholesterol levels etc (See Ilex paraguariensis or Ilex kaushue for examples)[]. Even these teas, however, if taken in very concentrated doses, can act as a laxative or cause vomiting. Indeed, several species are used by traditional peoples to induce vomiting as a means of purifying the body (see Ilex guayusa or Ilex vomitoria for examples)

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - northern India, Nepal, Bangladesh, southern China, Myanmar

Habitat

Sparse forests in mountain valleys, thickets; at elevations from 800 - 2,800 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	8.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Ilex species generally tolerate most soils that are not water-logged[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw. The ripe fruits are eaten fresh[]. The red, ovoid to ellipsoidal fruit is around 5mm in diameter[]. Some caution is advised - see notes above on possible toxicity[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is used locally.

Propagation

Seed -

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