Common Name:

General Information

Ilex tectonica is an evergreen tree with a laxly branched crown; it can grow more than 45 metres tall. The bole can be more than 100cm in diameter, sometimes with buttresses[].
The tree is harvested commercially from the wild for its wood.
Ilex tectonica has a wide distribution and apparently has a stable population though it is not currently known in many locations. The species is also experiencing a reduction in the habitat available to it. The extend of the known range and also number of sites in which it is found is likely to increase as more collections or more revisions of herbarium specimens are made. It probably occurs in more than 10 locations. The plant is currently classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2021)[].

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

C. America - Nicaragua, Honduras, Belize

Habitat

Tall, moist evergreen and deciduous forests, occasionally with Pines in drier, mixed forests; at elevations up to 350 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	40.00 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

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood has good physical and mechanical properties, it is used in construction[, ].

Propagation

Seed -

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