Genus ILEX, commonly known as holly, is a genus of about 400 to 600 species of flowering plants in the family Aquifoliaceae. They are evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers from tropics to temperate zones worldwide. The most common species of holly is the English holly (ILEX aquifolium), which is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. Other popular species include the Japanese holly (ILEX crenata) and the American holly (ILEX opaca). Holly is often used in Christmas decorations and is also used for hedging and topiary.