Ilex or Holly belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family. Most species are dioecious (unisex flowers are carried by different individuals), others are polygamous or self-fertile. Its evergreen foliage bears spikes along its edges, less prickly in the female specimens than in the males. Small fragrant white flowers appear in April and its red fruits appear from September to Mach. Holly can be grown in ordinary soil, in beds or informal hedges. It is resistant to pollution and salt winds.