Ilex Macropoda
Contents
Description
Ilex Macropoda, also known as the Bigleaf Holly, is a rare and unique type of holly plant that is native to China. It is a slow-growing evergreen shrub or small tree that can reach a height of up to 20 feet. The plant has a dense, compact growth habit with a rounded crown and can grow up to 10 feet wide. The leaves of Ilex Macropoda are large, glossy, and dark green in color, and can grow up to 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. The plant produces small, white flowers in the spring, followed by bright red berries in the fall. The berries are a favorite food of birds and other wildlife.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Aquifoliales |
| Family | Aquifoliaceae |
| Genus | Ilex |
Appearance
The leaves of Ilex Macropoda are large, glossy, and dark green in color, and can grow up to 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. The plant produces small, white flowers in the spring, followed by bright red berries in the fall. The berries are a favorite food of birds and other wildlife. The plant has a dense, compact growth habit with a rounded crown and can grow up to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide. The bark is gray and smooth when young, becoming brown and rough as it ages.
Care Guide
Ilex Macropoda is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season, but should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilizer can be applied in the spring and fall, and pruning can be done in the winter to maintain the plant’s shape. Ilex Macropoda is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ilex Macropoda is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, and leaf spot. Scale insects can be treated with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, while spider mites can be controlled with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap. Leaf spot can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and by providing good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Ilex Macropoda is native to China and is found in forests, thickets, and along streams and rivers. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Ilex Macropoda a fast-growing plant?
A: No, it is a slow-growing plant that can take years to reach its full height.
Q: Can Ilex Macropoda be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its root system.
Q: Are the berries of Ilex Macropoda edible?
A: The berries are not toxic, but they are not considered edible for humans.
Q: Is Ilex Macropoda a good plant for attracting wildlife?
A: Yes, the berries of Ilex Macropoda are a favorite food of birds and other wildlife.
Related Plants
- Ilex Aquifolium
- Ilex Opaca
- Ilex Crenata
- Ilex Glabra
References
- “Ilex Macropoda.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=g920. Accessed 17 Nov. 2021.
- “Ilex macropoda.” PlantFiles, Dave’s Garden, https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/170606/. Accessed 17 Nov. 2021.
- “Big Leaf Holly – Ilex Macropoda.” Gardening Know How, www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/big-leaf-holly.htm. Accessed 17 Nov. 2021.
