Study pushes back origin of existing Ilex crown clade into early Eocene
(PHYSorg.com Archaeology & Fossils)

The holly genus, Ilex L., in the monogeneric Aquifoliaceae, is the largest woody dioecious genus (more than 664 species). It has a very uniform reproductive biology and is instantly recognizable in flower or fruit, although leaf morphology is diverse and growth forms range from prostrate shrubs to tall trees.