Common name: Small-leaved Holly.

Scientific name: Ilex canariensis Poir. (1813)

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Cornales

Family: Aquifoliaceae

Distribution and Habitat: Macronesian endemic species that lives in the Laurissilva between 300 and 880 m altitude, preferentially in the central zone and in the northern slope of Madeira. The small-leaved holly may be seen in Serra de Água and Penha de Águia, in Porto da Cruz.

Description: This tree may reach a height of 6,5 m. Its bark is greyish and its leaves are dark green on top and pale green underneath. The flowers are white or purplish dyed and the fruit is dark red, spherical or oblong.

Conservation statute and Threats: Not a very abundant species, under the statutes ascribed to the Laurissilva forest.

Observations: Blooming season is from April to June. It fructifies from October to December.