Common Name:

General Information

Ilex wightiana is an evergreen tree growing up to 20 metres tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for its wood. It is also said to be used medicinally.
The forest habitats of Ilex wightiana are under threat. However, given its relatively large range, the fact that it is considered to be locally common and the lack of any information on specific decline, the plant is classified as 'Least Concern' 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

E. Asia - southwest India, Sri Lanka

Habitat

A canopy tree in evergreen forest; at elevations from 1,800 - 2,400 metres.

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 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

The plant has medicinal uses[]. No more information

Other Uses

The greyish-white wood is soft[].It can be useful for building purposes, making bowls, platters, boxes, packing materials etc. If carefully seasoned it would make a pretty wood for cabinet work on account of its marked silver-grain[, ].

Propagation

Seed -

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