Ilex integra var. integra (mochi tree)

Japanese name: モチノキ （黐木）
Scientific name: Ilex integra var. integra

[Overview]
An evergreen tree 6–10 m tall, found in evergreen forests; some are said to reach 30 m.
Young branches are angular.
The leaves are simple and alternate, elliptical, 4–8 cm long and 2–4 cm wide, with entire margins.
The petiole is 0.5–1.5 cm long.
The plant is dioecious.
In both male and female plants, flowers are borne on spur shoots in the leaf axils of the previous year's branches.
Male flowers are borne in clusters of 2–15 and female flowers in clusters of 1–4; both are small, yellowish green and 4-petaled.
The fruit is spherical, 1 cm in diameter, and ripens red.

[Uses]
Birdlime can be obtained from the bark, and the bark is also used as a dye.
The wood is used for printing blocks, seal material and the like.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings.
Growing from seed is also possible, but plants raised from seed will turn out to be both male and female.
When sowing, harvest ripe fruit, wash off the pulp, bury the seeds in moistened vermiculite or similar so they do not dry out, and store them in a cool, dark place; take them out in March–April of the following year and wash them thoroughly once more before sowing.
It prefers well-drained, humus-rich, moderately moist soil in sun to partial shade.
It fruits better in a sunny position, but dislikes strong afternoon sun and dry places.
Watering is not necessary unless sunny weather continues and the soil becomes dry.
In winter, apply organic fertilizer by digging several holes around the plant and burying it.
Pests and diseases include sooty mold and scale insects.

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