Ilex chapaensis, commonly known as Chapa Holly, is a deciduous shrub native to the montane forests and forest margins in South Central and Southeast China, as well as parts of Vietnam. It can grow to a height of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) and a width of 10-20 feet (3-6.1 meters), often forming a dense, rounded shape. Chapa Holly is characterized by its glossy, dark green leaves and small greenish-white flowers that bloom in the summer and fall. The flowers are relatively inconspicuous but are followed by black drupes that mature in late autumn to winter, providing visual interest and a food source for wildlife such as civets, which aid in seed dispersal.

Chapa Holly is valued for its lush foliage and the contrast provided by its dark fruits against the green leaves. It is suitable for use as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or as part of a hedgerow. This holly prefers full sun to part shade and adapts to a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. It requires medium amounts of water and can tolerate urban pollution, making it a versatile choice for urban gardens. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and holly leaf miner. It is not commonly known to be invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0