Mochi Tree (Ilex integra)

Family: Aquifoliaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Ilex integra is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 5 m (16ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - cooked. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails. — Young leaves - cooked.; A famine food, it is only used when all else fails.

Habitat & North American Range

Thickets and woods in hills and low mountains, often near the sea, in C. and S. Japan. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)