Common Name: Gou Gu

General Information

Ilex cornuta is an evergreen shrub or small tree with a dense, rounded habit; it usually grows around 1 - 4 metres tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It is grown as an ornamental.
Ilex cornuta is a widespread species that has become naturalized outside of its native range. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

Although no specific reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, Ilex species in general contain several potentially toxic compounds, particularly saponins, glycosides and triterpenoids. These compounds also often have a range of potential health benefits[, , ].
The berries are usually the part of the plant most likely to be toxic, though the degree of toxicity is usually low. Their bitter flavour usually prevents a person eating more than one or two, but even a small handful of the fruit eaten by a healthy adult is unlikely to cause more than feelings of nausea that can lead on to vomiting and diarrhoea[].
The compounds in the leaves are particularly interesting. The leaves of many Ilex species around the world are commonly used to make health-promoting teas that, when drunk on a regular basis, help to regulate bodily functions and can reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood-cholesterol levels etc (See Ilex paraguariensis or Ilex kaushue for examples)[]. Even these teas, however, if taken in very concentrated doses, can act as a laxative or cause vomiting. Indeed, several species are used by traditional peoples to induce vomiting as a means of purifying the body (see Ilex guayusa or Ilex vomitoria for examples)

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - southern and eastern China, Korea.

Habitat

Ravines and hills, 150 - 600 metres[]. Shrubby areas, sparse forests, hillsides, streamsides, roadsides, near villages; at elevations from 100 - 1,900 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants are hardy to about -15°c[].
Ilex species generally tolerate most soils that are not water-logged[].
Resents root disturbance, especially as the plants get older[]. It is best to place the plants into their permanent positions as soon as possible, perhaps giving some winter protection for their first year or two[].
Plants are very tolerant of pruning and can be cut right back into old wood if required[].
A number of named forms have been developed for their ornamental value[].
A dioecious species - both male and female forms must be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

The fruit is thin-skinned with a sweet taste[]. Is this report suggesting that it is edible?[].The fruit is about 8 - 10mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

The whole plant is abortifacient, carminative, contraceptive, febrifuge and tonic[, ]. It particularly strengthens the back and knees[]. The whole plant is used in the treatment of arthritis, recurring fever in pulmonary tuberculosis, tubercular lymph nodes, joint pained and lumbago[, ].

The leaf is made into a tea which is used as a carminative and for purifying the blood[]. This tea is also said to be contraceptive if used by women, and to be a very effective abortifacient[, ].

The stem bark is tonic[].

Other Uses

An extract of the whole plant is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a humectant, skin conditioner and skin protector[].
An extract of the leaves is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a humectant[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. It can take 18 months to germinate. Stored seed generally requires two winters and a summer before it will germinate and should be sown as soon as possible in a cold frame. Scarification, followed by a warm stratification and then a cold stratification may speed up the germination time[, ]. The seedlings are rather slow-growing. Pot them up into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame for their first year. It is possible to plant them out into a nursery bed in late spring of the following year, but they should not be left here for more than two years since they do not like being transplanted. Alternatively, grow them on in their pots for a second season and then plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Give them a good mulch and some protection for their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings of almost ripe wood with a heel, August in a shaded position in a cold frame. Leave for 12 months before potting up.
Layering in early autumn. Takes 2 years.