Tarajo Ilex latifolia

The lusterleaf holly or Tarajo holly is a large, dense, pyramidal, broad-leafed, evergreen shrub or small tree that grows up to 20 to 25 feet tall and about 15 to 25 feet wide. The leaves are 4 to 8 inches long, dark green, and leathery with serrate margins. Small yellowish-green flowers emerge in the spring. This species is dioecious and both male and female plants are required to produce fruits. The female plant produces fruits if pollinated. The fruits are small red berries that ripen in the fall and persist through the winter months.

This plant is native to Central and Southern Japan and Southern China and is often found growing in broad-leaf forests.

The genus name, Ilex, comes from the Latin, Quercus ilex, for holm oak, and refers to the similarity in the shape of the leaves. The specific epithet, latifolia, is Latin, which means broad leaves.

Plant in full sun to partial shade in acidic well-drained soil. It will tolerate a wide range of soil types including moist to dry. It also tolerates drought, shade, air pollution, poor soils, and clay soils and is easy to transplant. It does have a slow growth rate, but it may not thrive in areas with high heat and humidity such as USDA zones 8 and 9. This holly can be pruned to manage its size. Propagation of this plant can be difficult. Hardwood cutting sometimes root and the seeds can take years to germinate. It is pollinated by bees and is not self-fertile.

The lusterleaf holly is one of the largest growing hollies. From a distance, the leaves may be mistaken for a Southern Magnolia. The shiny, glossy leaves are the largest of any holly. It is an excellent evergreen specimen for the home landscape, and woodland setting, and can also be used as a hedge or espalier.

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Spring       Foliage:  Year-round          Fruits:  Fall and Winter

Quick ID Hints:

• large, evergreen shrub or tree with a pyramidal to rounded, dense, multi-stemmed habit
• light to dark gray, smooth, and mottled bark
• large, broad, oblong, glossy, leathery, dark green leaves measuring 4 to 8 inches long  
• the leaf margins are serrate with a black gland at end of each tooth
• tiny black triangular stipule at the base of the leaf.
• clusters of small yellowish-green flowers in the spring
• dense clusters of small orangish-red berries in the fall and winter

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:  This plant has no serious insect pests or diseases. Potential pests include leaf miners, mealy bugs, scales, spider mites, and nematodes. This plant may be susceptible to root rot, armillaria, and phytophthora. Alkaline soils will cause the leaves to yellow.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common diseases and insect pests.

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University