Dictionary - Definition of American holly


Part of Speech	Definition
Noun	1. An evergreen tree.[Wordnet].
Source: WordNet 3.0 Copyright © 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.		Top

Common Expressions: American holly

Expressions	Definition
American holly	An evergreen tree. Source: Wordnet 3.0 Copyright © 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
American Holly	American holly (Ilex opaca) is a small to medium evergreen tree in the family Aquifoliaceae, with red berries that persist into winter. It is native to the eastern and central United States. The berries are reputedly poisonous to humans, but are important survival food for birds, who will eat the berries after other food sources are exhausted. The tree also forms a thick canopy which offers protection for birds from predators and storms. Songbirds including thrushes, mockingbirds, catbirds, bluebirds and thrashers are frequent feeders on the berries. (references)
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.		Top

Expressions	Domain	Definition
American holly	Aerospace	American holly is an ornamental shrub that provides glossy green leaves and red berries used in Christmas decorations. Ingested berries have been implicated in cases of poisoning of children. The symptoms included vomiting and diarrhea (Rodrigues et al. 1984, Lampe and McCann 1985). Ilicin is a crude extract that is a bitter glycoside. This extract has been implicated as the poisonous substance (Rodrigues et al. 1984). Ingestion of a "handful" of berries caused repeated vomiting, green, watery diarrhea, and passage of green semisoft stools. The drowsiness might have been associated with the ipecac-induced vomiting. Ingestion of berries usually results in mild symptoms unless a lot of berries are eaten. Children are more likely to eat the berries (Rodrigues et al. 1984). General symptoms of poisoning: 1- Humans: a- diarrhea; b- drowsiness; and c- vomiting. (references)
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.			Top