Ilex rotunda, commonly known as Kurogane Holly, is an evergreen tree native to the warm temperate regions of East Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. It thrives in the understory of evergreen broadleaf forests, where it can reach up to 59 feet (18 meters) in height. The Kurogane Holly has a dense, rounded canopy with glossy, dark green leaves that are often used in floral arrangements. From May to June, it produces inconspicuous white flowers, which are followed by the bright red berries that ripen from October to December and are highly ornamental.

Kurogane Holly is valued for its attractive berries and foliage, making it a popular choice for garden and street plantings in Japan. It is also used for screening and as a specimen tree. This species prefers full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soil with consistent moisture. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and scale insects. It is also important to note that the berries can be toxic if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0