Holly, also known as frozen green or red holly, belongs to the holly family and is native to the Yangtze River Basin and southern regions of China. Its evergreen and bright fruit characteristics make it highly ornamental. Here are several plants similar to holly:
1. Gougu: Gougu and holly have certain similarities in morphology, both possessing evergreen characteristics and similar leaf shapes. Gougu leaves are leathery, with a quadrilateral shape of oblong or ovate, and have hard pointed teeth on the edges, similar to the serrated edges of holly leaves.
2. Shinan: Shinan is also an evergreen plant, with leaf morphology similar to holly, but usually wider and serrated edges. The flowers and fruits of heather also have ornamental value and are often used for landscaping.
3. Large leaved boxwood: The leaves of large leaved boxwood are elliptical or long oval shaped, similar in shape to holly leaves. Meanwhile, large leaved boxwood is also an evergreen shrub or small tree with high ornamental value.
4. Hokkaido boxwood: Hokkaido boxwood and holly have similar growth habits and are both evergreen plants with strong cold resistance. Its leaf shape also has a certain similarity to holly.
5. Coral tree: The leaves of coral trees are elliptical or oval shaped, similar in shape to holly leaves. Coral trees are also evergreen shrubs or small trees commonly used in landscaping.
Xiaoye boxwood, Jinsen privet, paulownia tree, stem sticking crabapple, golden leaf water wax, Xiaoye privet, golden leaf privet, embroidery thread chrysanthemum, octagonal golden plate and other plants also have certain similarities with holly. These plants are widely used in garden greening.
Although these plants have some similarities in morphology or growth habits with holly, they each have unique characteristics and ornamental value. When planting and maintaining, the selection should be based on specific environment and needs.