New Zealand holly facts for kids
Quick facts for kids New Zealand holly |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
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Astereae
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| Genus: |
Olearia
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| Species: |
O. macrodonta
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| Binomial name | |
| Olearia macrodonta Baker
Gard. Chron. ser. 2, 21:604. 1884 |
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The Olearia macrodonta, often called the mountain holly or New Zealand holly, is a special evergreen tree. It is found only in New Zealand. This plant belongs to the Asteraceae family, which is the same plant family as daisies! You can find this tree growing in forests from lowland areas up to sub-alpine zones. These are cool, high-altitude places.
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What is the Mountain Holly?
The mountain holly is a small tree or shrub. It usually grows between 1.5 and 6 meters tall. Its leaves are about 5 to 10 centimeters long and 2.5 to 4 centimeters wide. They have wavy edges and look grayish-green on top. The leaves also have coarse, saw-like teeth along their edges.
Its Flowers
This plant produces beautiful daisy-like flowers. These flowers are white with bright yellow centers. They grow in large, rounded groups called corymbs. A corymb is a special type of flower cluster where the individual flower stalks grow to different lengths. This makes the top of the cluster look flat or rounded.
Where it Grows
The mountain holly is an endemic plant. This means it naturally grows only in New Zealand and nowhere else in the world. It can be found in forests from the East Cape of the North Island all the way south through the South Island and Stewart Island. It prefers altitudes between 450 and 1200 meters above sea level.
Similar Plants
The mountain holly is very similar to another plant called Olearia ilicifolia. Both plants have wavy, serrated, grey-green leaves. Because they share so many features, people often confuse these two species.
Why is it Called Mountain Holly?
Even though it's called "mountain holly" or "New Zealand holly," Olearia macrodonta is not a true holly. True hollies belong to a different plant group called Ilex. The mountain holly got its common name because its leaves look a bit like those of a holly plant.
The scientific name, macrodonta, also tells us something about the plant. The word macrodonta means "large-toothed." This refers to the large, saw-like teeth found on the edges of its leaves.
Special Recognition
This plant is quite popular and has received an important award. The Olearia macrodonta has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This award means it is an excellent plant for gardens.
