Yaupon Holly - 'Ilex vomitoria'

This 26-years-old Yaupon Holly measures 12" in height, 14" width (tree span).

Yaupon Holly - Ilex vomitoria is a native of North America.  The yaupon has simple, leathery, dark green leaves that are held alternately on the branches. Leaves are oval shaped, usually about 0.25-1 inch (0.6-2.5 cm) and crenate (like saw teeth) along the edges. It is one of eleven hollies native to Florida. It usually grows as a shrub but occasionally maybe found as a tree. Growth rate is slow to moderate.

The portion of the name of the plant, "Vomitoria", is a rather unsavory name given to a very nice and useful plant. The early settlers in the SE USA learned from the Indians that the leaves of this plant could be used to make tea. The Indians used the leaves to prepare their ceremonial black drink by drying the leaves until they are black and crumbly, then steeping in hot water. However, if the leaves are used without going through the drying process they produced a memorable reaction on the human digestive system. Hence the addition of "vomitoria" to its name.