The evergreen holly Ilex aquifolium plant has been used a pub sign since Roman times and thus became a popular name for inns such as the one that Hollybush station is named from.
The hybrid Ilex x altaclerensis was developed at Highclere Castle in 1835, a cross between I. aquifolium and the tender species I. perado.
Quercus ilex | Ilex aquifolium | Ilex glabra | Ilex canariensis | Ilex vomitoria | Ilex guayusa | Ilex brasiliensis | HMS ''Ilex'' |
The larvae feed on a wide variety of plants, including Rhamnus frangula, Hedera helix, Ligustrum, Ilex aquifolium, Cornus sanguinea and Sorbus aucuparia.
There are also many non-native species present, such as Himalayan blackberry and European holly, a large stand of which is found around the middle of Saddle Trail.
In Europe, the first generation feeds mainly on Holly (Ilex aquifolium) but the second generation uses a range of foodplants.
Forests and smaller wooded areas within the park are comprised mainly by cork oaks (Quercus suber), Portuguese oaks (Quercus faginea), Pyrenean oaks (Quercus pyrenaica), olive trees (Olea europaea), alders (Alnus glutinosa and Alnus incana incana), holly trees (Ilex aquifolium), bay laurels (Laurus nobilis), rhododendrons (Rhododendron ponticum), ferns, mosses, and lichens.
Underneath these trees are planted a number of shrubs, most noticeably Laurels (Aucuba japonica) and Hollies (such as Ilex aquifolium), and several Camellias (Camellia japonica) and a Fatsia japonica.