Evergreen shrub to 3 m or so tall. Leaves more or less rectangular, 5-8 cm long, 3-4 cm wide, spines mostly 5-9 on older shoots. Flower parts 4; late spring. Fruits 0.8-1 cm wide, red or occasionally yellow.

Allegedly the best holly for Christmas berries in Australia as they are larger (but fewer) and borne in summer. Grows well in warmer coastal districts.

China, Korea.

VIC: Melbourne (Caulfield Park). NSW: Sydney (Centennial Park).

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Aquifoliaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 3. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 2. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.