Scrub holly (Ilex opaca arenicola)
Description
“Pet poisonous” – Toxic parts: berries Ilex opaca is a medium-sized broadleaved evergreen tree growing to 10�20 m (33�66 ft) tall, exceptionally up to 30 m (98 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter typically up to 50 cm (20 in), exceptionally 120 cm (47 in). The bark is light gray, roughened by small warty lumps. The branchlets are stout, green at first and covered with rusty down, later smooth and brown. The winter buds are brown, short, obtuse or acute. The leaves are alternate, 5�7.5 cm (2.0�3.0 in) long and 2�4 cm (0.79�1.57 in) wide, stiff, yellow green and dull matte to sub-shiny above (distinctly less glossy than the otherwise fairly similar European holly Ilex aquifolium), often pale yellow beneath; the edges are curved into several sharp, spike-like points, and a wedge-shaped base and acute apex; the midrib is prominent and depressed, the primary veins conspicuous; the petiole is short, stout, grooved, thickened at base, with a pair of minute stipules. The leaves remain on the branches for two to three years, finally falling in the spring when pushed off by growing buds.
Taxonomic tree
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Domain: Eukarya
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Kingdom: Plantae
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Phylum:
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Class: Magnoliopsida
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Order: Aquifoliales
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Family: Aquifoliaceae
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Genus: Ilex
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