Ilex yunnanensis

Ilex yunnanensis is a shrub that keeps its leaves year-round. It belongs to the holly family, Aquifoliaceae. It can also grow as a tree. Its native range starts in southeast Tibet. It spans central and southern China and reaches northern Myanmar. It grows in broadleaf woods and hemlock forests. It also grows in thickets and at woodland edges. Other sites include scrub in valleys and mountains. These sites lie about 3,610–11,480 feet [1,100–3,500 metres] above sea level. Kew places it in the subtropical biome.

In gardens, this holly grows about 13 feet [4 metres] tall. Its leaves stay on the plant all year. The supplied sources give no more details for this species' leaves, bark, or branch form. Flowers bloom from May to June, and bees pollinate them. Each plant has either male or female flowers. Grow both sexes if you want seed. This species cannot fertilise itself. Seeds ripen from September to November.

It grows in sun or part shade, including light woodland shade. It likes moist ground, but the soil must not stay waterlogged. Sand, loam, and clay can all suit it. The soil can be mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline. Plants For A Future lists it for USDA zones 5–9. A woodland garden suits its stated needs. So does an edge with some shade. It keeps leaves on these sites through winter.

Choose a long-term planting spot while the plant is young. Older plants do not like work that disturbs their roots. Plants For A Future suggests winter care to shield it for the first year or two. The shrub takes pruning well, even cuts into old wood. Growing it from seed takes time. Fresh seed may need 18 months to sprout. Stored seed can need two winters and the summer between. Young plants grown from seed grow at a slow rate. The supplied evidence gives no pest or disease details for this species.

Plants For A Future lists no known edible use. It says the fruit is poisonous. Do not treat it as an edible berry crop. The same source notes a traditional use of leaf tea for fever. This is a report of use as medicine. It does not show that the tea is safe or works. The source lists no other uses. It does not flag the plant as weedy.