Ilex serrata or Japanese winterberry Bonsai Tree Seeds

Ilex is a genus of over 400 species of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs and climbers from woodland areas in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions. Spiny-leaved varieties have coarse growth that can look unattractive as bonsai, however there are some Ilex species which carry small leaves with 'smooth' entire margins that are very suitable. Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants; specimens of each sex are required to obtain berries on female forms.

Ilex serrata or Japanese winterberry is a deciduous shrub with slender purple twigs and elliptic, very finely toothed, dull green leaves. It bears bright pink flowers, followed by red and sometimes white or yellow fruit. Ilex serrata is native to China and Japan.