Ecology
Holly is a rugged pioneer species that preserves and enriches the soil facilitating colonization by others. It is an ecological indicator of a well-preserved or recovering area with little human intrusion. It prefers relatively moist areas, up to 600m in elevation, and tolerates Mediterranean summer drought and frost. The plant is common in the garrigue and maquis and is also found in deciduous forest and oak forest.
Pure stands of hollies can grow into a labyrinth of vaults in which thrushes and deer take refuge, while smaller birds are protected among their spiny leaves. After the first frost of the season, hollies' fruit becomes soft and falls to the ground serving as important food for winter birds at a time of scarce resources.
The flowers are attractive as nectar sources for insects such as bees, wasps, flies, and small butterflies.
It is an invasive species on the West Coast of the United States and Hawaii.
Read more about this topic: Ilex Aquifolium
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