Cape Holly

Cape Holly (Ilex mitis)

Common Name(s): Cape Holly, African Holly

Scientific Name: Ilex mitis

Distribution: Africa

Tree Size: 50-65 ft (15-20 m) tall, 1-2 ft (.3-.6 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 38 lbs/ft³ (610 kg/m³)

Basic Specific Gravity: .46

Hardness: 1,000 lb_f (4,430 N)

Rupture Strength: 10,830 lb_f/in² (74,710kPa)

Elastic Strength: 1,383,000 lb_f/in² (9,540 MPa)

Crushing Strength: 6,090 lb_f/in² (42.0 MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: 4.9%, Tangential: 9.4%, Volumetric: 15.4%, T/R Ratio: 1.9

Color/Appearance: Ideal lumber has a very uniform, pale white color. Many boards have knots, which can reduce the usable area of the wood. Also, Holly can develop a bluish/gray fungal stain if it isn’t dried rapidly after cutting. Holly is usually cut during the winter and kiln dried shortly thereafter to preserve the white color of the wood.

Grain/Pore: Has a fine, even texture and close grain. On most pieces of Holly, there is virtually no visible grain pattern or growth rings.

Endgrain: Diffuse-porous or semi-ring-porous; very small pores predominantly in radial multiples of 2-4, commonly arranged in radial rows; growth rings may be distinct due to an intermittent row of earlywood pores; rays visible without lens; parenchyma not typically visible with lens.

Durability: Rated as non-durable or perishable, and susceptible to insect attack.

Workability: Easy to work, with the exception of the numerous knots that are common in Holly. Takes glues, stains, and finishes well, and is sometimes stained black as a substitute for Ebony. Turns well on the lathe.

Scent: There is no characteristic odor associated with this wood species.

Safety: There have been no adverse health effects associated with Holly. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.

Price/Availability: Seldom available for commercial sale, Holly is an expensive domestic lumber, and is usually only available in small quantities and sizes.

Comments: Holly is typically used only for ornamental and decorative purposes. It has a fairly large shrinkage rate, with a lot of seasonal movement in service, and it’s strength properties are mediocre for a hardwood.

Some common uses for Holly include: inlays, furniture, piano keys (dyed black), broom and brush handles, turned objects, and other small novelty items.