Small green leaves, bright red berries.

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by FloridaSun, Nov 9, 2009.

  1. FloridaSun

    FloridaSun Member

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    Location:
    St. Augustine, Florida
    Hello everyone,

    A friend gave me a cutting in the hopes that I could get it identified here.

    I've attached three photos of the cutting, showing a close up of a leaf, a closeup of a berry and the third shows the configuration of the branches, berries and leaves. The leaf is 3/4" long, 3/8" wide.

    Thank you for any help you can provide.

    She thinks it's perhaps a type of Holly.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Silver surfer

    Silver surfer Generous Contributor 10 Years

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  3. saltcedar

    saltcedar Rising Contributor 10 Years

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    Or I. vomitoria if evergreen.
     
  4. FloridaSun

    FloridaSun Member

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    Thank you, Silver surfer and saltcedar. I'll have to ask her if the bush is evergreen or not.

    This is such a great group of people!
     
  5. thanrose

    thanrose Active Member 10 Years

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    Location:
    Jacksonville, FL USA USDA Zone 9
    With respect to your name and posted location, I'd suggest this is yaupon holly or more specifically Ilex vomitoria. Tons of it around St Augustine. I lived there.

    The latin name means what you think it sounds like, but it's a lovely small tree, and sometimes a too common pruned shrub. Go to any bank and you'll probably see some grown as green hedges. The unfortunate name is referencing the use of Ilex vomitoria in the Black Drink as an emetic. Heavily brewed in tea, the tannins in the leaves will make you hurl.
     
  6. SusanDunlap

    SusanDunlap Active Member

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    leaf shape looks like I. vomitoria. getting to Ilex was a big help.
     

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