Here we can see the developing fruits which are called samaras. They mature quickly and fall almost immediately. The Post Oak Woodlands has a definite understory layer. Much of this layer is composed of Ilex vomitoria , the Yaupon Holly. Yaupon is aggressive, and has contributed significantly to the process of thicketization in parts of Texas.
Hollies are dioecious, which means that the male and female flowers are on separate plants.
This is a female plant. The stamens are sterile, but they gynoecium is well- developed. The bright-red fruits add color to the fall and winter landscape, while the leaves remain green all year. Another showy member of the understory community is Beauty Berry, Callicarpa americana . During spring and summer, it doesn't look like much, but in the fall it can be the most conspicuous thing in the landscape.