Alchornea ilicifolia
native holly
Overview
Alchornea ilicifolia is an evergreen shrub reaching 3-10 feet (1-3 m) tall and 3-8 feet (1-2.5 m) wide, with a spreading, often straggling crown. The leaves are stiff and leathery, 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) long, broadly oval with wavy margins edged in coarse, prickly teeth, recalling those of holly. New growth and flower clusters can carry a sparse covering of hairs. Small greenish flowers without petals are borne in short spikes; male and female flowers usually occur on separate plants. Flowering occurs in spring. The fruit is a small two- to three-lobed capsule that splits to release the seeds. Plants are slow-growing and tolerate shade beneath taller trees. The holly-like foliage stays green year-round. The species grows in dry rainforest, vine thickets, and forest margins, mainly on richer soils in warm districts.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from Queensland to northeastern New South Wales. Grows in dry rainforest, vine thickets, and forest margins on fertile clay and loam soils in warm, frost-free districts.Suggested Uses
Used as a hedge, screen, or understorey shrub in warm-climate and rainforest gardens, spaced 3-6 feet (1-1.8 m) apart. Suits shaded and woodland plantings where the holly-like foliage gives a dense texture. Its frost sensitivity limits use to mild districts.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 10'
Width/Spread3' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Flowers in spring, with the small greenish flowers easy to overlook. Male and female flowers usually grow on separate plants, so seed is set only where both are present. Capsules ripen in late spring and summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in part shade to full sun on fertile, free-draining clay or loam soils in warm districts. Young plants need regular water and protection from hard frost, which can damage or kill them. Established plants tolerate shade and short dry spells. Growth is slow, and the shrub keeps a dense, leafy form in good conditions. It is propagated from seed or cuttings, both somewhat slow. Few serious pests or diseases affect it.Pruning
Light pruning in the warmer months keeps the shrub dense and shapely. The prickly leaves make close trimming slow. Straggly stems can be cut back to bring on bushier growth.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons