Ilex aquifolium
In Europe the genus is represented by a single species, the classically named holly "Ilex aquifolium", and in continental Africa by this species and "Ilex mitis". "Ilex canariensis", from Macaronesia, and "Ilex aquifolium" arose from a common ancestor in the laurel forests of the Mediterranean. Australia, isolated at an early period, has "Ilex arnhemensis". Of 204 species growing in China, 149 species are endemic. A species which stands out for its economic importance in Spanish-speaking countries and in Brazil is "Ilex paraguariensis" or "Yerba mate". Having evolved numerous species that are endemic to islands and small mountain ranges, and being highly useful plants, many hollies are now becoming rare.