Phylogeny

          Ilex aquifolium is classified in domain Eukarya because of its Eukaryotic cells. It is further classified into the kingdom Plantae along with thousands of other multicellular organisms that contain chlorophyll and produce food through photosynthesis.

Figure 1: Domain and

kingdom classification.

            English Holly is part of the

phylum Magnoliophyta. This phylum is one

of the largest and most diverse groups on

the planet with over 270,000 species. Plants in this group occupy every habitat on Earth with the exception of a number of extreme environments. Magnoliophytes come in all shapes and sizes and are vital to human existence. There are five defining characteristics of the phylum Magnoliophyta:

1) All have ovules that are enclosed in a carpel.

2) All experience double fertilization and the formation of endospores.

3) All have stamens with two pollen sacs.

4) All have features of gametophyte structure and function.

5) All have phloem tissue composed

of sieve tubes and companion cells.       Figure 2: Kingdom 

and phylum classification.

          English Holly can be furthered classified into the class Magnoliopsida. The 170,000 species that belong to this class have woody stems and can be annuals, biennials, vines, aquatic plants, parasites, or saprophytes. They tend to have vascular bundles in a ring and most have a primary root system. Common characteristics include two cotyledons and net-like veins in the leaves.

Figure 3: Phylum and class

classification.

         Ilex aquifolium belongs to the Celastrales order. This order is composed of both trees and shrubs and contains over 800 species. Many species in this group are either climbing or vine plants that are native to tropical and temperate zones. Most Celastrales have colorful fruit, leathery leaves, and small flowers with four or five petals each.

 Figure 4: Class and order classification. 

          The family Aquifoliaceae contains English Holly and around 400 other species split into two genera. Nearly all species belonging to Aquifoliaceae are variations of hollies. Most species are evergreen trees and shrubs with small white or pale green flowers.

Figure 5: Order and family classification. 

 The genus Ilex contains over 95% of the species classified in the Aquifoliaceae family. Ilex contains all of the different variations of Holly trees and shrubs. Members of this genus are both evergreen and deciduous and typically have spiny or serrated leaves. The Hollies are best known for their colorful fruits.

Figure 6: Family and genus classification.

          And finally the species Ilex aquifolium, which you can learn all about through the many pages on this website!

Figure 7: Genus and species

classification.

Adaptations anyone?...