TREE AND SHRUB SPECIES: COMMON HOLLY NEAR PEČKE PRIMEVAL FOREST
Rastlinstvo in živalstvo, Pohodne poti, Naravne znamenitosti
Pragozd Pečke, 8350 Dolenjske Toplice
Common holly, also known as the holly, European holly, English holly and occasionally Christmas holly, is a species of flowering evergreen shrub or tree, native to western and southern Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia. It has a great capacity to adapt to different conditions and is a pioneer species that repopulates the margins of forests or clearcuts. Its glossy green prickly leaves and bright red berries (produced only by the female plant) are represented in wreaths, garlands and cards wherever Christmas is celebrated. It is a subject of music and folklore. There are several known growing areas in Kočevski rog, especially in the near vicinity of Mirna gora.
Interesting facts:
- Common holly in Podpečke is among the thickest hollies in Dolenjska region with the circumference of 78 cm, hight of 13 m and diameter of 25 cm.
- In the young and in the lower limbs of mature trees, the leaves have three to five sharp spines on each side, pointing alternately upward and downward, while leaves of the upper branches in mature trees lack spines.
- This evergreen tree has been planted as a symbol of life near churches, monuments and homesteads.
- The fruit only appears on female plants and is toxic, do not eat them.
- Due to its rarity it has been protected since 1922.
Podpečke holly is located near primeval forest remains, where the access to general public is denied.
